6

Photo of 354 Jarvis Street (the 'Main School')
1906-1916
Jarvis Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Dr. Catherine Steele 1928 Archives, Havergal College

7

The Most Modern of Conveniences

The new 'Main School' built in 1898 at 354 Jarvis Street spared no expense. Author Mary Byers, in 'Havergal Celebrating a Century' (1994) describes the structure:

"It had a duly impressive and spacious entrance hall with an open fireplace. The first floor housed drawing rooms, sitting rooms, the principal's study, classrooms, and a small assembly hall. The second floor contained a sitting room, double bedrooms, and cubicles ...The third floor combined more bedrooms, a large studio, a laboratory, and eight piano rooms ... The maids' quarters were on the fourth floor ...The prospectus boasted 'every modern convenience in the way of heating, ventilation, bells, speaking-tubes, electric lighting, etc.' and grounds that had 'been laid out as tennis lawns.'"

The school no doubt proved a stark contrast to the city's poorerest neighbourhoods such as nearby St John's Ward (bounded by Yonge Street, University Avenue, Bloor Street and Queen Street).

8

'Northfield House' (the Rutherford estate)
Circa 1900
Jarvis Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Dr. Catherine Steele 1928 Archives, Havergal College

9

Map of Jarvis Street campus and integrated buildings
Circa 1913
Jarvis Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Dr. Catherine Steele 1928 Archives, Havergal College

10

The Jarvis Street Campus: An Ideal Choice

With its upscale neighbouring families, and closeness to enlightening cultural activities, Jarvis Street was chosen as an ideal location for students coming from well-heeled Toronto families.

Prospective parents could be lured with the appeal of proximity to well-known families such as the Masseys, the Cawthras and the Nairns. Also no doubt appealing was a sense of surveillance: with Havergal chairmen, founders and parents lining the street, one could be assured of watchful eyes for both day girls and boarders.

The Jarvis Street campus would grow to include a number of buildings, including 346-8 Jarvis, a field on McMillan Street, 265 Mutual Street (used as an infirmary), and 'Northfield' (362 Jarvis). Both the 'Main School' at 354 Jarvis and 'Northfield' are still in existence - and now form part of the recently renovated National Ballet School.

11

'A Girls Week of Prayer' by Ellen Knox
Circa 1900
Jarvis Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Ellen Knox Fonds
Dr. Catherine Steele 1928 Archives, Havergal College

12

"Our Mission Work"
1905
Jarvis Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Dr. Catherine Steele 1928 Archives, Havergal College

13

Daily Life at Havergal 1894-1914

While Havergal had an undoubtedly unconventional start, it echoed many contemporary girls' schools in Canada and Britain with a daily routine regimented and formulated to instill values of femininity, social graces, and duty to family, religion and country.

After an 8:30am assembly (including the memorization of Bible passages and hymn singing), classes were held from 9am-11am and 11:15-1pm. Occasionally, girls were formally invited to dine with the headmistress, who would teach the girls society manners and skills such as carving a roast. For the boarders, Sundays were spent in both morning and evening services at St Paul's Church on Bloor Street.

The curriculum included three streams: matriculation (for admission into university); special (focus on music, literature, art and languages); diploma. Additional work could be done to gain admission into prestigious schools like the Royal Drawing Society in London, or to enroll in a 'finishing year' at the school.

14

List of 'Bedroom Rules' for boarding school students
Circa 1900
Jarvis Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Dr. Catherine Steele 1928 Archives, Havergal College

15

Chamberpot by Royal Doulton
Circa 1900
Jarvis Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Dr. Catherine Steele 1928 Archives, Havergal College

16

"Havergal, Havergal, rah, rah, rah!" Illustration in 1900 Ludemus yearbook
1900
Jarvis Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Dr. Catherine Steele 1928 Archives, Havergal College

17

Sewing sample produced by a Havergal student in class
Circa 1905
Jarvis Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Marie Harmer, 1905
Dr. Catherine Steele 1928 Archives, Havergal College

18

School Hymn Book: 'Gaudeamus: Songs for College and Schools'
Circa 1907
Jarvis Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Florence Rowland
Dr. Catherine Steele 1928 Archives, Havergal College

19

Girls pose in uniform styles from the early 20th century
Circa 1900
Jarvis Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Dr. Catherine Steele 1928 Archives, Havergal College