About
Metal Beds
The original school building contained two dormitories in which there were metal beds, a long trestle table on which sat wash basins, and beside each bed was a little cubicle for small personals and toiletries. Each morning the dorm was inspected and each bed had to be made perfectly. The story goes that in the early days, the covers had to be pulled so tightly and smoothly that a coin would bounce off the surface when dropped from above. After inspection, the boys were not allowed in the dormitories during the day. Their sports clothes were kept in designated change rooms and they did their homework (prep) in the dining room where it was a bit warmer, returning to the dorms only to sleep.
With no electricity or central heating, the dorms were cold and often the water in the wash basins would freeze. One of the pranks in these earlier days was of a boy – presumably from another dorm – who would open a dorm window wide and wet it thoroughly with water. When the boys awoke because of the cold, they could not shut the window because it was frozen open.
As the School grew, more dormitories were built. Until the new Main Building was built in 1927, there were no “Houses;” there were simply dormitories that were numbered.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and in consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
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As the School grew, more dormitories were built. Until the new Main Building was built in 1927, there were no “Houses;” there were simply dormitories that were numbered.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and in consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
