A SKETCH OF SECONDARY EDUCATION IN MARKHAM

Secondary school education officially began in Markham Village when the Country Council of York passed a by-law authorizing the establishment of a grammar school. This came into being in January, 1858, with Dr. Edward T. Crowle as the first headmaster. Since there was not a school building, quarters were rented in Temperance Hall, on the site now occupied by the Markham Lawn Bowling Club. During the first year, sixty-three students were registered.

In 1860, land was purchased on Joseph Street, and a new one-room brick Grammar School was built. When four rooms were added in 1892, the original building became the science laboratory.
Towards the end of the century, there was a constant lack of classroom space. Alternations in 1924 provided changes in entrances, heating plant and corridors. In 1927, indoor washrooms were installed.
The year 1952 marked the establishment of the present Markham High School District, which comprises approximately the south-east half of Markham Township.
In April, 1953, the construction of the present school on Church Street began. In September, 1954, a modern, three hundred pupil Secondary School was opened. In July, 1964, construction was started on a vocational addition, which would make the Markham District High School a fully composite school. This was occupied in September, 1965. Two years later more accommodation was needed, and the latest addition was opened in January, 1970.
The enrolment for 1971-1972 in this large, well equipped composite school is approximately eighteen hundred students.
Among the principals who gave excellent leadership, and also, in some cases, many years of service, were: Mr. G. H. Reid, Mr. Bruce Clarke, Mr. J. S. Bell, Mr. Ewart I. Gales, Mr. Donaldson, Mr. L. Hamel Cooke, Mr. O. R. Stalter, Mr. Earle Thom, and Mr. B. J. Newell. The present principal is Mr. K. C. McDonald.