The unveiling of the old school bell installed at Nottawasaga and Creemore Public School (NCPS) has been rescheduled for March 20.
The bell preserved from the School Annex, also known as Creemore Continuation School, was put on display in the lobby of school over the Christmas break but the unveiling ceremony had to be postponed. And yes, it has been covered from view this whole time, said school principal Mark McCain.
It will be unveiled at a ceremony, with special guests and dignitaries in attendance. The public is welcome to attend.
When the annex was shuttered and put on the real estate market, local residents set about trying to keep it from being sold with the school.
The bell, said Gerry Blackburn, was purchased in 1882 by the citizens of Creemore and the surrounding township for a new four-room school built the previous year. When a larger six-room school opened in 1917, the bell was added to its roof.
Blackburn, and members of the of the school reunion committee, wanted to make sure the community icon was not lost into private hands.
There will be guest speakers at a special ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 20, including local historian Helen Blackburn.
Intermediate students will lead attendees in a singing of the school song, and the primary choir will also perform.
Several school dignitaries will also be in attendance, including Director of Education, Steve Blake, Associate Director (and former Creemore Principal) John Dance, and Area Superintendent, Michael Giffen.