​The grand old school still stands today in North Vancouver, more than 100 years after this photograph was taken

By North Shore News Staff, North Shore News

Here is a photograph taken on Sept. 22, 1911, of the laying of the cornerstone at Ridgeway Elementary. The event was officiated by Albert Steacy, the first chairman of the North Vancouver School Board.

Designed by architects Gillam & Jones, the original Edwardian Baroque style eight-room schoolhouse was built as a response to rapid population growth in the City of North Vancouver and to serve the emerging neighbourhood of Grand Boulevard.

Gillam later designed Queen Mary Elementary as well. Two side wing additions were added in 1926 designed by Benzie & Bow, and a rear wing was added in 1944.

Visit the MONOVA website for more information about the history of the North Shore and to plan your visit to MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver, now open at 115 West Esplanade in The Shipyards.

Currently, MONOVA: Archives of North Vancouver, at 3203 Institute Road in Lynn Valley, is open for drop-ins on Monday and by appointment Tuesday-Friday, 12:30-4 p.m. Contact: archives@monova.ca

Navigate culture on the North Shore by using the North Shore Culture Compass.