If your ancestor attended Queen’s School in Westmount, Quebec, he may appear in one of three large class photos I inherited from the widow of my second cousin, William “Bill” Rhind. Fortunately, one of his parents wrote his name and the date on the back of each photo.
Queen’s School was a Protestant grade school, built in 1899 for $50,000. Located on Olivier Avenue in Westmount, it could accommodate 550 students. In 1960, Queen’s was amalgamated with King’s School to form Westmount Park Elementary School. I suspect Queen’s was demolished soon afterward.
Bill Rhind was born in 1906 in Montreal, the oldest son of Robert Young Rhind, an assistant superintendent for the Allan Line, and Fanny Steeves Gregg who was originally from Saint John, New Brunswick.
When Bill attended Queen’s School, from about 1914 to 1919, he lived only two blocks away on Wood Avenue. The homes on that block have long been replaced by office and apartment buildings.
If one of your ancestors lived in Westmount and was school age between 1914 and 1919, closely look at these photos to see if you recognize a face.
Queen’s School, Westmount, Quebec. 1914. Photographer unknown. William Rhind stands at the far right in front row.
Queen’s School, Westmount, Quebec. October 1915. Photographer unkown. William Rhind stands second from left in front row.
Queen’s School, Westmount, Quebec. 1919. Photographer unknown. William Rhind sits behind the boy who moved (blurred).
Hello! I just discovered this blog and wondering if it’s still active? My grandmother, Laura Isobel Millen (married Melbourne Tait Bancroft) born 1894, grew up in Westmount. Her youngest brother, Stephen Boyd Millen was born in 1904 so he’d be the closest of her siblings in age to Bill Rhind. I’m assuming they would have gone to Queen’s because they also lived on Wood Avenue. Strange! Are there other names on the backs of these photos? Thanks for posting these interesting photos!
Yes, this blog is still active. I have been publishing blog posts pretty much every day for more than four years. Unfortunately, there are no other names written on the back of the photo. Glad to read you enjoyed seeing the photo. Click on Home to take you to the latest blog post. If interested, you may sign up to receive the blog posts by email.