Historic Sites of Manitoba: West Ward School (Portage la Prairie)

Link to:
Principals | Vice-Principals | Teachers | Photos & Coordinates | Sources

A quaint two-storey, two-classroom brick school in Portage la Prairie was designed by Winnipeg architect George Creeford Browne and built by local contractor Thomas C. Silverthorne at a cost of $4,500. It opened in December 1894. Its function was eventually assumed by Fort la Reine School, built nearby in 1955, and the building was demolished in 1963.

Principals

Period	Principal
1951-1952	Miss Ellen V. Cook

Teachers

The other teachers of West Ward School included Mrs. Doris Byas (1951-1952).

Photos & Coordinates

West Ward School (March 1955) Source: PCI Archive, Vopni Press Collection, VP-1-00262-002. Site Coordinates (lat/long): N49.97407, W98.30648 denoted by symbol on the map above

See also:

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Fort la Reine School (36 Thirteenth Street NW, Portage la Prairie)

Historic Sites of Manitoba: North Ward School (535 Third Street NW, Portage la Prairie)

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Central School / Portage Normal School (Portage la Prairie)

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Victoria School (32 Fifth Street SE, Portage la Prairie)

Sources:

“News of the Portage,” Manitoba Free Press, 6 December 1894, page 7.

Cummin’s Rural Directory Map for Manitoba published by the Cummins Map Company, 404 Chambers of Commerce, Winnipeg, 1923. [Copies held by Edward M. Ledohowski and Gordon Goldsborough]

“Portage lists teaching staff as school opens,” Winnipeg Free Press, 5 September 1951, page 34.

A History of Portage la Prairie and Surrounding District by Anne M. Collier, 1970, pages 146-147.

We thank Nathan Kramer for providing additional information used here.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 9 December 2024

Historic Sites of Manitoba This is a collection of historic sites in Manitoba compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. The information is offered for historical interest only. SEARCH the collection Browse lists of: Museums/Archives | Buildings | Monuments | Cemeteries | Locations | Other Inclusion in this collection does not confer special status or protection. Official heritage designation may only come from municipal, provincial, or federal governments. Some sites are on private property and permission to visit must be secured from the owner. Site information is provided by the Manitoba Historical Society as a free public service only for non-commercial purposes. Send corrections and additions to this page to the MHS Webmaster at webmaster@mhs.mb.ca. Search Tips | Suggest an Historic Site | FAQ Help us keep history alive!