qathet Museum & Archives
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Henderson School


Dr. Andrew Henderson, Powell River’s first doctor, was prominent in starting the first school in Powell River. In 1910, Dr. Henderson, Mrs. A. M. Oliver and J. P. Keyes formed a committee and made arrangements for the use of the pool hall for schooling. Later that same year, construction of a one room school began. The school opened in 1911 with 13 pupils enrolled and by June, there were 25 pupils.  Later this location became the home of St. Paul’s Anglican Church located at 6310 Sycamore Street.

Soon the school had two pupils in every seat and a bench for extra children at the back of the room. The single teacher became hard pressed to handle the eight grade levels. Temporarily, an old bunkhouse became a second classroom until a new school was built: Henderson School. 


Henderson School once stood at the current location of Henderson Park on Poplar Street in the Townsite. It was named after Dr. Andrew Henderson who was on the School Board for many years and worked hard to start a school in the Townsite. Construction for this four-room school began in 1913 and was completed in 1914. The school was not only attended by Townsite children but as well as Wildwood and Cranberry kids. Altogether it hosted 183 elementary children, after which older children would have to take entrance exams for High School education in Vancouver.

In 1919, the Elementary School was raised to a Superior School status, which meant that the first year of High School as well as an entrance class were added. Two years later in 1921, Henderson School then became a regular High School and an addition was added to the building to make more room. In 1922, another addition was added to make Henderson School a standard eight-room school. 

In January 1925, a total of 300 students attended Henderson School. The enrollment numbers kept increasing, especially after the Second World War with post-war baby boomers. Plans were thus developed for a new Henderson School on Willow Avenue. When the construction of this new school was completed in 1957, the old school on Poplar Street was torn down and grass was added to create a sports park for children.
Picture
Henderson School, 1916. (ID PH004380)
Picture
Looking over from Wildwood side of the river towards Cranberry, 1927. (ID PH003358)
Henderson School's grade 8 class, 1920. (ID 2007.50.19577)
Henderson School looking north east from across Poplar Street,1950 (ID ND000256).
Henderson School. This is the front of the school which faced 2nd (Ash) Street, 1923. (ID 2008.10.70)
Henderson School, grade 1 students lined up outside at start of the term, 1948. (ID 1967.1.5300)
A group of boys playing marbles outside the Henderson School playground, 1949. (ID 1967.1.4140)
Picture
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Saturday
10 am to 3 pm

Closed Statutory Holidays
Contact Us
604-485-2222
info@qathetmuseum.ca
​4790 Marine Avenue, Powell River BC

© 2023 qathet Museum & Archives
​Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of material on this website. Dates and times are subject to change. 
Territorial Acknowledgement 
The qathet Museum & Archives is located on the traditional territories of the Tla’amin Nation. The Museum is committed to collaborating with all Indigenous peoples of this province including the Tla'amin Nation. We acknowledge the harms of the past, are committed to improving relationships in the spirit of reconciliation, and we extend our appreciation for the opportunity to live and learn on this territory. ​Emote!
  • Exhibits
    • Current Exhibits
    • Forestry Building
    • Virtual Exhibits >
      • Riveting Women
      • Symphonies of the Sunshine Coast
      • Capturing Mountains
      • Story of Cedar
      • Powell River Firsts
      • Rod LeMay Collection
  • Collections
    • Objects
    • Archives >
      • Research Requests
      • Indexes & Finding Aids
      • Archival Descriptions
      • Powell River Digester
      • Phone Books & Directories
      • Good Citizen
      • Record of Military Service
    • Local History Books
  • Programs
    • Public Programs Calendar >
      • Little Wonders
      • Spring Speaker Series
      • Fall Speaker Series
      • Mini-Curators
      • Papermaking
      • Summer Camps
      • Museum In the Park
      • Archaeology Day
    • School Programs >
      • Exhibit Visits
      • Outreach Kits
      • Portal to the Past
      • Educator's Survey
    • Virtual Programs >
      • Virtual Portal To the Past
      • A Taste of qathet's History
      • The Crafty Corner
      • Dive Into the Archives
    • Tours
    • Memoirs
  • Learn
    • Indigenous History
    • Place Names
    • Forestry History
    • Memories of the Mill
    • Community History
    • Blast from the Past
    • The Coast Memoirs
    • Heritage Stops
    • Blog
  • Support
    • Gift Shop
    • Membership
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • Careers
  • About
    • COVID-19 Updates
    • Name Change
    • Our Mandate
    • News & Reports
    • Staff & Board
    • Contact Us