Mahone Bay Old School_A Life and Times_Bob Sayer

Bulletin-Progress Reports Spruce-up, in February 26/06 Edition
Building At The Heart Of The Community
There are three issues to be resolved about the preservation of Mahone Bay
Old School.
It’s been a central part of the town’s landscape for over 90 years. In style and
form it is monumental and irreplaceable. Does the community want to preserve
that landscape?
It was built and maintained by an enormous effort, as a symbol of pride in
the town and hope for the community. Is it a symbol so unique, it deserves to
be preserved?
Below, part of the May, 2007, Centre Activities & Events Guide
The Old School housed the aspirations and activities of generations of people
from the area, young and adult. It was here they laughed and cried, sat,
walked, marched and ran, dreamed and studied, learned to read, write and
calculate, worked and played, sang, acted, danced and made music, played
the hero, the fool, the villain, went to the teacher’s desk, to the office and to
the toilet. We can literally walk in their footsteps, lean on the same walls.
Does preservation of the Old School keep alive their history in an irreplaceable
tangible way?
Financing Large Scale Improvements
On November 1st 2007, members of the Society met and approved the
Boards efforts to seek financing for substantial renovations.
Battle for the Old school Field
Controversy adds spice to life. In 2007 the Town Council announced an
agreement in principle to sell the Old School Lands (not the building) and
adjoining woodland to a developer. (Save our soccer field) Immediately an
alliance of ‘jocks’ and ‘greens’ and those who believe in preserving public
lands, led spirited opposition in a debate that has split opinion in the town.
Community Food Bank, February, 2008
The very latest success of the Centre is the opening of The Community Food
Bank in the Old School basement. The ‘Founding Fathers’ would approve!
The Old School continues to serve the community.
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