The Manitoba Historical Society states that the St. James Collegiate has existed since 1917, and that the school operated out of Britannia School and Linwood School. I found 998 Winnipeg Free Press archives predating 1951 that verify its existence earlier as the St. James Collegiate.
1920s and 1930s
Amy Smith 1924, Donald S. Hamilton 1926, Elda Turner 1927, Mollie Ritchie 1936, and Frederick Lane 1938, all won Governor General awards. Jean McFarlane won the 1944 Governor General’s medal. Jean became an obstetrician and genecologist. She had a rogue’s gallery in her office with pictures of every baby that she had delivered.
During an eight-decade public service career, Mitchell Sharp held many federal positions as both a civil servant and an elected politician. Mitchell served as Finance Minister under Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson and as the Foreign Affairs Minister under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.
Mitchell received the Order of Canada.
During the 1930s, David McHardy directed many SJCI musical concerts.
In June 1936, the long education careers of Duncan McDougall and Theophilus Watt were remembered. Both had been principals of SJCI.
The first SJCI yearbook was published at the end of the 1935-36 school year. The Editor of the 80-page yearbook was John Aveson. Other students who helped produce the yearbook were James Alexander, Aileen Emmett, Janet Lowe, Peggy Wilson, Geraldine O. Meara, Les Cavanagh, Irene Cartwright, and Hugh Gainsford (Sir John A. MacDonald’s great grandson). In 1937, Norma McIntosh represented SJCI at the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (who later became known as the Queen Mother).
Sports
I discovered a few star athletes. Daisy Boyd excelled in tennis and hockey. In 1924, Daisy won the Ladies Singles at the Deer Lodge Tennis Club. On February 12, 1927, Daisy scored three goals as the U of M hockey team won an 8-1 hockey victory over Saskatchewan at the Winnipeg Amphitheatre.
Vera Saul was the 1938 SJCI Athlete of the Year. May King was an all-around athlete who excelled in track and field, basketball, and speed skating. May was named SJCI 1942 Athlete of the Year.
In March 1942, St. James won the Suburban Hockey Championship. The team was led by goalie Harry Barefoot, brothers Gord and Neil McLean, and Harry Taylor. Taylor went on to win a Memorial Cup, and two Stanley Cups on his way to the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame. Les Russell coached the team. The team was managed by teacher Erv Houck.
Mo Renaud is a member of the Manitoba Sports, Manitoba Lacrosse and Manitoba Football Halls of Fame. Mo is best remembered for being the 1962-1997 PA announcer for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the general manager of Red River Exhibition for over 30 years.
George Chapman was the star of the 1945 Track and Field Meet at Sargent Park. George eventually became a lawyer and race car driver. George is currently a member of the Rotary Club.
In 1950, SJCI Collegiate Girls Basketball team won their third straight Suburban Championship. The team consisted of Barb McIntosh, Marg Wade, Pat Moore, Betty Forth, Barbara Taylor, Alice Harding, Irma Harder, Dorothy Latam, Diane McIver, Ann Smith, Joyce Overton, and Doreen West.
WW2 and the 1945-46 Yearbook
(One of my most prized possessions!)
On November 14, 1941, Mimi Dubienski organized a Patriotic SJCI Tea at St. James Collegiate. Harry Monk took care of the decorations. The Proceeds went to the Red Cross, Navy League, and IODE. In 1945, SJCI’s Don Abel cut the stencil for Winnipeg’s High School Junior Red Cross News.
The 1945-46 SJCI Yearbook begins with a list of 54 SJCI alumni who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War 2. Pat Morgan wrote a very touching article called PEACE:
“We are indeed thankful to be living in Canada.”
John Hall, the principal, thanked the students who created the yearbook. Mr. Hall served as principal from 1933 to 1947. Mr. Hall was also a St. James Alderman between 1947 and his 1950 death.
Don Comstock was the President of the Student Council. Don went on to become a journalist with the Winnipeg Tribune and the PR Officer with Manitoba Hydro. Teacher Blanche Megaffin was the Honorary Editor. In 1969, Blanche was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasurer of Japan for helping Japanese Canadians displaced from BC during World War 2 find housing and employment. Allan Ireland was the Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook.
Dorothy Broughton the yearbook’s assistant editor was the Valedictorian. Dorothy became a nurse. Donna Randle wrote about the Girls’ Glee Club. Donna became a doctor. Lorne Wallace contributed to the Yearbook. During a 30-year CBC career. Lorne cohosted Spotlight, and co-founded 24 Hours.
Other Alumni not Previously mentioned
Henry Duckworth served as the President of the University of Winnipeg. The Spence Street Sports Facility is named after him. Henry received many hours including the Order of Canada and the Manitoba Order of the Buffalo Hunt.
Gilbert Burch was one of the Inglewood Street triplets. Gilbert created both the 1955 and 1979 portraits of Queen Elizabeth II that hung in the Winnipeg Arena.
Mike Schioler became an engineer.Michael had a 43-year career with Dominion Bridge.
The 1950-51 school year the end of the beginning
The 1951 St. James Track Meet took place at Sargent Park. Bruce Kidd was the star. Gary Holland was the editor of the SJCI newspaper called the Blast. The 1951 Grad Dance was held at the Marlborough Hotel. Lawrence Argue of Garden Road won the St. James Legion’s $100 Scholarship.
The rest of the story
In February 1951, construction started on the site of the former Bourke Estate. The unfinished school held its first classes in September 1951.
A Reunion Committee is hard at work planning a 75th Reunion to remember SJCI 1951-now. The Reunion will take place on October 23-25, 2026. More information is available at sjci75.com or my e mail SJCI 75th reunion@gmail.com. Please contact the Committee to share your memories of the last 75 years.
To find out more about the 75th reunion for SJCI go to https://www.sjci75.com/
Fred Morris is a Grandfather, Sports Fan and Political Activist.