Renovation & Restoration

 

The Selma School had finally fallen fate to old age, having served the people of the community as a school and hall for 135 years.  In 2003 the Maitland & District Development Association, having completed a five year project developing the seven acre parcel of land known as Dawson Dowell Park in Maitland, responded to inquiries for help.   

 

The two room School House was purchased for $1.00 from the Selma Community Club for the purpose of preservation and restoration.  The Fall of 2003 saw the rear foundation, back wall and roof stabilized to sustain the structure until the Spring of 2004.  Letters were sent to all known former students of the school inviting them to participate in the restoration by donating a "bundle of shingles".  The response was huge.

 

Fundraising began in earnest and with the support of the Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments, combined with the community at large, it was evident that the "spirit of the School" would live on!

 

What was at first thought to be a daunting task soon become a welcome challenge.  With the foundation completed work commenced on replacing the rear wall and repairing & shingling the roof as well as refurbishing the bell tower.  The old electrical system along with the furnace plus yards and yards of duct work were replaced with new wiring and electric heat.

 

The old well was rejuvenated and water was piped into the building.  Two bathrooms and a septic system were installed along with a wheelchair ramp and new doorstep.  The building was insulated, with new plaster board installed as well as a micro kitchenette.  All new doors and windows were installed including rebuilding the east wall to its former design. 

 

Finally a fresh coat of paint inside and out with landscaping next on the list. 

 

The finishing touch are the three Interpretive Boards erected in front of the School telling Selma's store to all who stop along their way.

 

---

 

 

 

History of the Selma Schoolhouse

 

In March, 1818 a schoolhouse was originally provided for the community of Selmah (today, Selma) by Edward Cole.  Later, land was given by John Pratt for a new schoolhouse, which burned in 1865.  construction of the present building was begun that year and officially opened in February, 1868.

 

Local shipbuilders (Alfred Putnam, W.D. Lawrence, Archibald McCallum, A.A. MacDougall, the Smith and Blots families, among other influential families) wanted a schoolhouse that would reflect their achievements in the flourishing local shipbuilding industry.  The best materials were employed in its construction.  The skill and craftsmanship of the ship building carpenters, so abundant in this industry in the mind-Nineteen century, are reflected in the style and finish of the schoolhouse.  Evidence of this is seen in the Palladian-style windows with their arched window "brows" on the gable and front sides, and pieced facing boards, brackets and transom windows over the front doors.  The bell tower capped the centre of the roof of this picturesque style of building - unique on these shores.

 

The first Inspector of Schools for the Municipality of East Hants once reported to the Superintendent of Schools for Nova Scotia, T.H. Shand that, "in terms of structure and style, the Selmah School was one of the most outstanding rural schools in Nova Scotia."

 

This building served as a two-room school for 96 years (1868-1964).  Teachers came from many areas of the province, but particularly from communities across Cobequid Bay such as Economy and Advocate, and nearby Princeport.  Some, like Hazel Cottum, Susan Bradley and Katherine Faulkner stayed and married local men such as Laurie Walker, Arch Cox and Harold Pratt, respectively.  As student numbers declined in the last thirty years of its school life, only one room was used for teaching.  The elevated stage with lowering curtain walls was used for concerts and plays, and remains in working condition to the present day.

In 1964 the Municipality of East Hants sold the schoolhouse to the Selma Community club for $251.  In July 1990 the Municipality declared it a Designated Historic Property.  The Community Club sold the schoolhouse building in 2003 to the Maitland and District Development Association for $1 for preservation and restoration.  It stands today as a reflection of the vision and skill of our forbearers, reminding future generations of these worthy attributes.

 

 

8247 Highway 215, Selma, Nova Scotia, Canada

artgallery215@hotmail.com

(902) 261-2151