Former students from the old Queen Elizabeth High School that was located just south of Dinsmore got together for a reunion last weekend, bringing together old classmates and teachers from July 6-8 to reminisce about old times and the memories made in the former school.
Queen Elizabeth School opened its doors to students back in 1953 before closing up after over two decades in 1976. In honor of its 65th anniversary, the decision was reached to hold a reunion at the King George Hall south of Dinsmore, where there were things to enjoy such as entertainment, meals and an auction.
Perhaps the most notable event during the weekend was Saturday afternoon, as everyone gathered around a covered monument that was described as the “centerpiece event” of the weekend gathering.
After the veil was lifted, what stood before everyone was an immaculate metal sign installed on a massive rock that paid homage to Queen Elizabeth School. Constructed by Don Beaton of Wiseton, the monument stands on ground near where the old school was located, signalling to passersby that a historic building once stood close by.
Virginia McPhail, a former teacher, shared a few words about the school and noted the importance of keeping its memory alive in the minds and hearts of former students.
“Today, we gather as a community to keep its meaning alive,” she said.
As people snapped photos and posed together by the monument, the emotion surrounding this unveiling was palpable; a gesture that ensures that the memory of a once-beloved place will stand the test of time.
