Former segregated school builds impressive future

As many rural outposts look for ways to breathe new life into their community halls, one is working to capitalize on its past as a means of ensuring the future.

The Windsor Plains Community Hall was the Five Mile Plains School until 1963, and one of the last segregated schools in Nova Scotia. The bittersweet memory still weighs heavy on the minds of area residents, particularly those former students now working to rejuvenate the hall.

The building was originally signed over to the community by the adjoining Baptist Church for use as a school under the Nova Scotia Advancement for Colored People initiative. Since the school’s closure and the end of segregation, the building has been maintained as a community hall by a dedicated committee of 19 senior members and other residents.

“This hall wouldn't still be here if not for them,” said committee executive Beulah States. After years of supporting the hall through various projects, fundraising and community woodlot proceeds, a crunch came last year and the hall was at risk of closing its doors and possibly being torn down. That is, until a local historian with a plan made a visit.

Register as heritage property

David States, who had written about the school’s historic significance, met with Buelah States and encouraged her to have the hall registered as a heritage property. The first hurdle the committee faced, however, was the cost.

Beulah said because the property was never given a deed it would have to be migrated at the cost of several hundred dollars. “We were at our end,” she said. “We couldn't even replace the oil tank and fix the roof, let alone pay legal fees.” And in terms of fundraising, those resources were depleted also. “We were all tired out and just couldn't do it any more.”

But MLA Chuck Porter presented the hall with a sizable provincial check that not only helped with emergency repairs, but paid the necessary lawyer fees to have migration process started.

“If it wasn't for him, I don't know what we would have done,” States said.

The committee has also worked closely with Kevin Barrett of Tourism, Culture and Heritage Promotion. Barrett visited the site several times before encouraging the committee to move forward with the application process. States said both Barrett and Porter have shown overwhelming support. “Chuck does so much for us, but then he understands this community.”

The big plus for the community beyond keeping four walls standing will be the focus on the historical element. When former student Roddy Johnston moved back to the area after a 30-year absence, he was upset to hear of the hall’s possible fate.

“I knew we had to do something,” he said. “I'm proud the building has lasted this long and the people; we're a very tight community, but we're the last generation. When we die, no one will know we were ever here, no one will know what it was like. I just want justice done.”

Personal and family histories

For he and many others, the hall tells personal and family stories as well. “This is just as much about the history of the hall as it the heritage of our community,” States said. The former school was also the primary gathering place in its time.

“This hall was all there was for us growing up. Back then it was like there was no town of Windsor, only Green St. and Panuke Road. If it’s gone, what will happen to the youth, where will they learn about the past?”

There is already an impressive tribute housed at the hall through pictures and stories posted along the walls. The committee hopes a heritage status will encourage others to contribute to the display and create a museum-like quality.

“This could become a major stopping place,” States said. “It’s already being forgotten, but we could revive it.”

Johnston said the history of the segregated school is equal in significance to Windsor's hockey heritage. “Here you have a community with such an important history; there should be tours stopping here to learn about it. I'd like to see Oprah visit,” he laughed.

If accepted, the hall will be transformed to reflect its original exterior and be eligible for annual funding, but it also puts control of the building into the hands of strangers. “We won't be able to change anything about the building without permission,” States said. “But where we're at right now, that’s okay. We just want to keep it and use it.” She said if the application is approved, “we'll jump for joy.”

“The legwork is done now,” she said. “Now we just wait and see. Hopefully, by spring, we'll be having a grand opening.”

Until then, the hall's future remains up in the air. In the meantime, a fundraising breakfast will be held at the Hall Oct. 27.