The Archives is housed in the Faith Reimer Room on the school’s ground floor. It is open to the public from 9 am to noon every Tuesday morning that school is in session. Its friendly staff – all volunteers – love to talk to visitors and help them with their questions.
Here are three photos from the extensive collection.
Building the “new” school, 1914
The excavation for the current school building (the fourth in Vic High’s history) began in 1912. This picture looks across the foundation site towards Fernwood Road. You can see the steeple of what is now The Belfry Theatre in the background.
Provincial Rugby Champs, 1931
Yes, this is a picture of the Vic High rugby team that won the provincial championship in 1931, but it is also a link to the days when Victoria won the Stanley Cup. The Patrick brothers in the picture, ‘Muzz’ and Lynn, were the sons of Lester Patrick who owned and managed the Victoria Cougars of the Western Canada Hockey League. In 1925 they became the last non-NHL team to win the Stanley Cup. To pick up the story from Come Give a Cheer:
“Lynn Patrick, VHS 1931, starred in rugby with the BC Reps; was a member of the Blue Ribbon national basketball title-holders; played football for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers; and played hockey for the New York Rangers from 1935 to 1943 (becoming scoring leader and NHL all-star in 1941 / 42 season). Murray ”Muzz” Patrick, VHS 1933, was no less impressive. Captain of every VHS team in his senior year, and winner of many track and field awards, he too played for the Blue Ribbons and teamed with Lynn to lead the 1939 / 40 Rangers to the Stanley Cup. Muzz was also Canadian amateur heavyweight boxing champion and a professional six-day cyclist.
Provincial Girls’ Basketball Champions, 1922
Fashions and even rules have changed since these Vic High girls won the provincial basketball championship in 1922.
For a comprehensive history of education in British Columbia, go to the Vancouver Island University web site.