We start 2015 with three “vanished” schools. The bricks and mortar of Grand Avenue, Humber Bay, and Silverthorn schools have gone, but their war memorials survive to remind us of students who volunteered for king and country.
A fourth school, Fairbank Memorial, rounds out our group. In April 2014, an archaeological dig unearthed a sister school of Fairbank. A foundation dating from 1863, two window panes, and traces of pencils were among items found.
This year, the Toronto District School Board is reviewing 60 “under-used” schools. Fairbank is on the list. We don’t know Fairbank’s fate, but as many as nine of the listed schools may close.
Photographs and reminiscences of vanished schools are valuable records of Toronto neighbourhoods. Please contact us if you have any to share.
