School China
When the entire School campus was lost to fire in 1926, we don’t know what – if any – dinnerware they were able to save, but likely this event led to purchasing the custom-made china pictured here, which we know was in use by the 1930s. In 1998, a senior alumnus sheepishly returned an egg cup from the set, which he had taken as a memento when he graduated in 1932. We are grateful for this donation, as we have only a few pieces of this china in the archives and museum.
After Copeman's House burned to the ground in August 1968, including the large dining room and, presumably, all the cooking and serving equipment, suddenly over 90 extra boys and staff needed to eat in the Main Building dining room, so, once again, new dinnerware was needed. By September 1969, the early china was replaced by sturdy and practical "Melmac,” a brand of melamine. It included plates, bowls, and cups in two colours: pink and green. This dinnerware was nearly indestructible and was in use well into the 1990s. It was retired in favor of ordinary white – and less dated – institutional dinnerware.
When Marion Hall was built, John Lecky, son of Marion Hall’s donor, felt that the somewhat tired looking white dinnerware did not match the image of the grand new dining hall. To rectify this, he donated custom-made dinnerware from England; it arrived by September 2002 when Marion Hall opened. It looks elegant, but is strong enough to withstand heavy use. The simple design features a gold-coloured rim and Stag symbol, and remains in use today.
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.
When Marion Hall was built, John Lecky, son of Marion Hall’s donor, felt that the somewhat tired looking white dinnerware did not match the image of the grand new dining hall. To rectify this, he donated custom-made dinnerware from England; it arrived by September 2002 when Marion Hall opened. It looks elegant, but is strong enough to withstand heavy use. The simple design features a gold-coloured rim and Stag symbol, and remains in use today.
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.
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