by Ralph Pyle.

What was it like at MDHS in ’54? The question was posed to me by the reunion committee. I have a staff perspective and a fifty-year-old memory, as that was the year I came to MDHS to teach mathematics. I was hired, over the lunch hour at the home of Mr. Frank Burkholder, chairman of the Board. Mr. B. J. Newell, principal and Mr. John Bayes, secretary treasurer, were also present. A far cry from the formal interview of today.

MDHS in 1954 was surrounded by farmland on the outskirts of Markham Village. Many residents questioned its location and failed to foresee the future growth of the district. Students from the village walked to school and rural students (living over a mile away) were bussed in.

The building itself was brand new and a real step forward compared to the old Markham High School at Joseph and Albert Streets. There was one room each for typing, industrial arts, home economics, and one gymnasium for boys and girls, one cafeteria (half of the hot caf.), two science labs, a library (where the present general office is), a staff room (where the present general office is) and four general classrooms.

There were 11 staff including the principal, and approximately 235 students. It was usual for a staff member to teach a student more than one subject and in successive years (there were no departments or heads). This arrangement meant that staff and students knew each other well and as most staff lived in the village they knew the students families also.

The curriculum was fixed with very few choices or options. The grade 9 students took English, math, science, history, geography, French, industrial arts or home economics and physical education. The day consisted of eight 40-minute periods with a lunch period. Some subjects were taught every day, others two or three times a week. Latin and special commercial were choices after grade 9. Students who earned it received a certificate after grade 10, grade 12 and grade 13. The number of students graduating from grade 13 was small.

Student activities were run by the students’ council, the boys and girls’ athletic societies and various clubs (Drama, Glee Club, I.S.C.F., etc.). Dances were a big hit (invitation, Sadie Hawkins, commencement, Valentines, athletic, May Queen). Skating parties at Cedarena were well attended. The girls’ trumpet band play an important part in the events like Markham Fairs, the Santa Claus parade and band competitions. Assemblies were put on by the students under staff direction, each grade taking a turn (plays, musical numbers, etc.).

All in all school life in 1954 was at a much slower pace than today, however, it was very satisfying for both students and staff. I hope you have caught a glimpse of what it was like.