News Detail
The Flagpole
In photos of the first School building, there are no signs of a flagpole; the earliest we see one is in 1921, located then in almost the same location it stands today. It is worth noting that the original flagpole actually survived the catastrophic 1926 fire. When building the new School following the fire, the driveway and front garden area were regraded, and a new flagpole was erected slightly west of its original location, next to the driveway near the southwest corner of the Main Building.
This photo shows the new flagpole being erected in 1929, with boys and staff members ready to help.
As a clearly identifiable landmark, the flagpole is a popular meeting place on campus: "Meet you at the flagpole!" or "Board buses near the flagpole.” It has also been used for its share of pranks. A 1953 photo shows Frank Duxbury's bicycle dangling from the pole on April Fool's Day.
A symbol of patriotism; a symbol of respect and mourning when flown at half-mast; a meeting point. The flagpole on the Shawnigan campus remains a familiar focal point that stands “on guard for thee.”
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and 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.
Here, if we look very closely, we see Copeman's House under construction behind the trees in the background. In 2010 the path of the driveway was slightly altered again, and the flagpole was moved approximately 50 feet to the west. At its base, it is skirted by a beautiful garden of flowers and shrubs.
As a clearly identifiable landmark, the flagpole is a popular meeting place on campus: "Meet you at the flagpole!" or "Board buses near the flagpole.” It has also been used for its share of pranks. A 1953 photo shows Frank Duxbury's bicycle dangling from the pole on April Fool's Day.
A symbol of patriotism; a symbol of respect and mourning when flown at half-mast; a meeting point. The flagpole on the Shawnigan campus remains a familiar focal point that stands “on guard for thee.”
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and 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.
