PCVS Then and Now – The School Near the Heart of Peterborough

In 1914, when this photo was taken of PCVS, the school was only a few years old, constructed in 1907-8 and designed by the architect John Belcher.  

The school was in operation for over a century until a year ago, when the board of education decided to close the school and send student elsewhere. The decision led to tremendous opposition by the community, and the case went to various levels of court and other tribunal hearings, but in the end, the decision stood and in the fall of 2012, the school will be empty and will not echo with the voices of students. Here is a recent photo of the school, taken from the edge of Confederation Square. Though some changes have been made, you’ll see this is a solid and well-designed and beautiful structure.

You’ll learn more about the school and the architect John Belcher in my forthcoming book.