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By Zahra Duxbury

A reminiscence on our school’s past and its relevance today

Aside from our school’s exterior, which remains solid proof of the time from whence it came, the memories of a different Glebe, a past Glebe, are sustained by stories. Naturally, as time passes, these stories fade. The responsibility of keeping them alive rests on our shoulders, as it has for many generations before us. Why bother? Because through small efforts, like word of mouth and an article in the school paper, we will do ourselves a favour. Somewhere along the line, perhaps even now, when the future seems blurry and unapproachable, we will look to the past. It truly is a valuable resource.

Where to start a story? On a fall day in 1922, when a school, though not officially opened, officially started.

The Building

Glebe Collegiate was not initially founded as Glebe Collegiate. Instead, it was built as an expansion of the Ottawa Collegiate Institute (OCI ) which is known now as Lisgar; the OCI’s symbols can still be found on our school today. In 1917, the OCI had outgrown its facility because of an increase in school enrolment. This was due to Ottawa’s rising population – it had increased 43 per cent since 1901 – and to a newfound emphasis on education – the 1919 Adolescence School Attendance Act mandated student attendance until age 16. The OCI was overcrowded with 46 students and teachers, and circumstances were in dire need of change.

In 1919, the land between Percy and Bronson was purchased for $74,000, and the prominent Ottawa architect H. Albert Ewart was hired to design the school in a collegiate-gothic style. The school, which would accommodate modern amenities such as a plunge-pool, gymnasium and greenhouse, was well-regarded; upon its official opening in 1923 (students had already started attending the year before), it was described by the Ottawa Citizen as a “beautiful building” and “a reflection of the advance of education.”

The Rivalry

Soon after, the OCI was split into Glebe and Lisgar, and a rivalry started between the two schools, which were both known for their academic prowess. This competition was a prime motivator for academics and athletics. Occasionally, the rivalry went a bit too far. In 1972, according to a Lisgar anecdote, the Glebe senior boys arrived en masse to prank their rival school, but they were unable to leave in their getaway car because the Lisgar students had stolen the distributor cap! Later on, a tense club meeting in the Glebe cafeteria resulted in a food fight between the two schools, which didn’t end until the principal intervened. This rivalry has definitely mellowed over the years, and though friendly competition still continues, it’s safe to say that Lisgar and Glebe, both great schools, have come to terms with each other.

The Graduates

Glebe Collegiate is home to quite a few notable alumni, such as Peter Mansbridge, a former CBC news anchor, Alanis Morisette, a seventime Grammy award-winning singer, and Patrick Watson, a director, among other things, who created the Heritage Minutes that many of us are so familiar with. A story worth noting is that of Peter Ferk, who painted the notorious “naked room” mural when he was a 16-year-old student at Glebe. Inspired by Dante’s “Inferno,” Ferk dedicated the majority of his year to painting it, even missing prom! He is now a veteran of the animation industry, having worked with companies such as Disney and Universal Studios.

I write this article to remind people that the past has brought us to the present and that when

Glebe Collegiate Institute was completed in 1923 on the “outskirts” of Ottawa. For information on anniversary celebrations currently planned for October 14-16, 2022, visit

glebe100.ca. PHOTO: COURTESY OF GCI

Glebe Collegiate’s “Naked Room” ceiling mural, reminiscent of Dante’s Inferno, was painted by Peter Ferk in 1977.

PHOTO: ELSA CATTELAN

people feel disconnected from the times in which they’re living, it can help to look back. These past few years have been far from ordinary, and sometimes it’s hard, especially for new students like me, to imagine Glebe might once have been different than this current reality. But history begs to differ – it shows a hundred years behind us, full of vibrancy and boundlessness, where students faced obstacles and overcame them, just like we have and will. And if you listen, it tells you something else: Glebe’s history has only just begun.

Zahra Duxbury is a student at Glebe Collegiate Institute.

Spring arrives at Glebe Coop Nursery School

By Julie Leblanc

The little ones at Glebe Cooperative Nursery School have been busy exploring, learning and growing over the winter.

The children started the winter season by learning all about hibernation. Each child created a bear out of clay, and together they built a bear cave for the bears to spend the winter months sleeping. Through stories, conversations, songs and exploration, the children learned that hibernation is when an animal “sleeps” during the cold days of winter. When it came time for the bears to be tucked into their caves, the children all wore their pyjamas to school as they said “Goodnight” to their bears and “See you in the spring!”

The winter months were filled with stories, songs, crafts, imaginative dramatic play, sensory play and more. Some favourite activities included making bird feeders, pretending to be firefighters, grocery shopping, a light table, freeze dance, playing with shaving cream and, of course, learning about garbage trucks! The child-centred activities facilitated by the teachers at GCNS promote language development, numeracy skills, self-control,

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turn-taking, fine motor skills, creativity and child empowerment.

With the arrival of spring, the children are enjoying lots of play time outside and taking in all that comes with the changing season. They have woken their hungry bears from a long slumber and are now ready to learn all about the life cycle of butterflies. The children will be able to watch the metamorphosis happen with butterfly lifecycle raising kits.

Registration is now open for the September 2022 Toddler Program and Preschool Program. Visit glebepreschool.com to learn more about the Glebe Cooperative Nursery School.

Julie LeBlanc is a Glebe Cooperative Nursery School parent and is responsible for communications.

Elegy for the Dead Dog

The Dead Dog Saloon, restored PHOTO: DEADDOGSALOON.COM

By Douglas Parker

If you find yourself near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for either the golf or the sun or the simple delight of exploring what is known as the Low Country, take a side trip to a charming place called Murrells Inlet for a look around. A few years ago, you would have been remiss for not popping into the original, funky Dead Dog Saloon, a large restaurant on the Inlet with a great patio, inside and out, that overlooked a beautiful, inland tidal salt marsh. But alas, no more.

My wife and I visited and stayed for lunch, whiling away an hour or two eating, enjoying the vista and listening to some great music on the Dog’s booming stereo: The Byrds, Orbison, Cat Stevens, Mason Williams – imagine Mason Williams; I can’t remember the last time I heard “Classical Gas” and that remarkable guitar riff. Kudos to the Dead Dog for great taste in unpretentious music, a kind of tribute to the Dog’s unpretentious self, a place that cleaves to the quotidian. Or as James Joyce put it, “none of your damned lawdeedaw air here.”

Speaking of taste, I ordered a fully dressed, foot-long hot dog (the irony of that only struck me the next day), some fries and a heady draft beer called a Fat Tire, a fine amber beer, designed to ensure a spare tire should one tend to overindulge, a temptation easy enough to succumb to in the sultry Carolinian heat. We had no illusions about the Dog holding a Michelin Star. A tasty, fully laden hot dog, great fries, wonderful music, a beer easily mistaken for ambrosia and an astonishing vista

The Dead Dog Saloon in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina burned down the day after a visit from the author.

PHOTO: LIVE5NEWS.COM

complete with a pelican staring at us – seemingly wanting to join us – from a wooden dock pole. That’s my definition of fine dining. Michelin – eat your heart out.

True to the canine motif of the place and probably as well to the importance of the hunt in this neck of the woods, the washrooms were called “Setters” and “Pointers.” The servers’ tee-shirts sported the jaunty motto describing Murrells as “A quaint little drinking village with a fishing problem.” We were happy there. A clean, well-lighted place as Hemingway might have put it had he dropped by for a Fat Tire – or 10. Now there was a man who could drink in earnest.

Delighted by our discovery, we thought we’d visit the Dog again the following day for a repeat order of food, music, a Fat Tire and further pelican gawking. After all, how can one get too much of a good thing? The day started off just as it should have: a bright blue sky and, unusual for that

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When we pulled into the parking lot, the Dead Dog, tragically true to its name, was truly dead – at four that morning, the Dog had burned down. What we saw was a water-soaked blackened skeleton of a building that was still smoldering on its own pyre. “Dawg gone,” I said to my wife. We sat in the car stunned. I thought of my footlong hot dog the day before. Hot dog indeed, I said to myself. Crestfallen by the fate that had befallen the Dog and heart-scalded, we walked next door to another restaurant, cheek by jowl to the erstwhile Dog, called Creek Ratz. From the Ratz’s patio, we had a pelican’s eye view of the ruined corpse of the Dead Dog. To mourn and commemorate its demise, I ordered a basket of fried dill pickles and a beer. Sadness accrues. Cursing my fate and troubling deaf heaven with my bootless cries, I said, perhaps too loudly, “if this had to happen at all, why couldn’t it have happened to the Creek Ratz? They don’t have draft Fat Tire!” Finally, however, I became more stoically resigned when I realized the irony of the event whose ruin we were staring at. As it turned out, the Dog had succumbed to the fire at four a.m. on Ash Wednesday.

So in less than 24 hours, we saw the Dead Dog Saloon alive and well and then, suddenly, dead. I understand that the Dog, like the Phoenix, sort of, has risen from its own ashes and has been rebuilt. I wonder if it resembles what it once was because in my mind, it’s dang hard to teach a new dog old tricks.

Douglas Parker is a 30-year Glebe resident with an interest in English Reformation literature, history and theology, and a penchant for travel.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

The ABBOTSFORD SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTRE (950 Bank St�) SPRING PROGRAM GUIDE is now available� LIVE & ZOOM Programming� Pick up a paper copy at Abbotsford, Mon�-Fri�, 8:30 a�m� to 4:30 p�m� or go to www� glebecentre�ca under Abbotsford Community Program and What’s up at Abbotsford� Registration is ongoing� To register, please call 613-2305730�

What to expect when joining ABBOTSFORD’S

LIVE CLASSES AND CLUBS At least until the end of April, members will be screened and asked for ID and proof of double COVID-19 vaccination upon entry into the building� They will also be asked to wear masks in the building except when singing, exercising and eating or drinking, and to use sanitizer frequently�

ABBOTSFORD SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTRE

(950 Bank St�) is now accepting books, puzzles, jewelry, greeting cards, art, elegant treasures flea market items and women’s clothing in excellent condition to sell in house at Abbotsford and in the spring at the Great Glebe Garage Sale to help support the Centre’s much-needed fundraising efforts! Thank you for your donations�

ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE OTTAWA OPEN HOUSE

(352 MacLaren St�), Sat�, Apr� 23, starting at 2 p�m� (www�af�ca/ottawa/en/event-details/?eventId=443#/)� Visit Alliance Francaise Ottawa, meet the team, learn more about our program and get a chance to win amazing prizes! Games, free French classes and a concert will be offered�

CALLING GLEBE ARTISTS! The GLEBE ART IN

OUR GARDENS AND STUDIO TOUR is back for this summer! It will take place on July 9 and 10! We are accepting applications from local artists who live, work or have studios in the Glebe and are looking for a variety of high-quality, original artwork from painters, potters, sculptors, photographers� Established and emerging artists are welcome to apply� A few spots are available for guest artists who can exhibit their work in the studio or garden of an artist or friend in the neighbourhood� The deadline for submission is April 30� For information and an application form, please contact glebearttour@hotmail�ca or visit our website for images of past tours: www�glebearttour�ca

FRIENDS OF THE FARM 2022 ANNUAL

GENERAL MEETING, Wed�, May 11, 7 p�m� Membership in FCEF is not required to attend; however, only fully paid members may vote� The AGM will be held virtually, via Zoom, and will be followed by a virtual presentation by Alexander Refod, director of Les Jardins de Métis (Reford Gardens) in Grand-Métis, QC� - Admission is free, but registration is required to obtain the link to the meeting’s platform� To register, please go to: friendsofthefarm� ca/2022-annual-general-meeting-virtual-registration-page/� Registration closes May 11 at 12 noon�

FRIENDS OF THE FARM ANNUAL PLANT SALE

(friendsofthefarm�ca/event/2022-friends-of-thefarm-plant-sale/), Sun�, May 15, 8 a�m� to 1 p�m�, RAIN OR SHINE� Admission is free for the public, with donations to FCEF gratefully accepted�

HERITAGE OTTAWA LECTURE VIA ZOOM (heritageottawa�org/lecture-series) Wed�, April 20, 19:00 to 20:00: The Concerns and Challenges of the Alexandra Bridge: PSPC’s Perspective� Join Heritage Ottawa for part two in our series of lectures on the Alexandra Bridge, this time presenting the Public Service and Procurement Canada’s perspective on the future of the bridge� The presentation will provide an overview of the concerns and risk mitigation measures that have been implemented to ensure safe operation of the 120-year-old bridge as well as the factors that led to the decision to replace it� Find out first hand how the government is justifying its decision to demolish this landmark bridge� To pre-register, go to https://us02web�zoom� us/webinar/register/WN_H1GjuZJbQlqp9SPBvxkg9Q After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar� MASTER GARDENER LECTURES (friendsofthefarm�ca/fcef-annual-events/master-gardener-lectures/)� Every year the Friends of the Farm (friendsofthefarm�ca) partner with the Master Gardeners of Ottawa Carleton to offer timely and informative presentations� Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our lectures will continue online in 2022� Registration required to obtain the Zoom link� The 2022 Master Gardener Lectures include: Gardening with Native Plants in Ontario on Tues�, April 19, Biodiversity at the Crossroads on Tues�, May 3, Paint with Blooms on Tues�, May 17, Another Gardening Year behind Us, Tues�, Sept 13� Pre-payment is required� Go to info@friendsofthefarm�ca to register and obtain the link to the Zoom presentation�

OLD OTTAWA SOUTH GARDEN CLUB Tues�, May 10, 7 p�m� to 9 p�m� (In-Person Meeting at The Firehall, 260 Sunnyside Ave�) Foliage for Garden Design and Plant Exchange� Many gardeners walk into a garden centre in the spring and are drawn to whatever is in bloom� Flowers attract us especially after a long winter, but when creating beautiful plant combinations, flowers should be one of the last things to consider� In this presentation, Suzanne Patry, owner of Whitehouse Perennials, will explore how understanding three key elements of garden design (foliage colour, plant shape and plant texture) will help you create plant combinations that are both beautiful and dramatic� Meeting Fees: 2021-22 season: $25 for individuals; $40 for a family; drop-in fee: $7 per meeting� Info and registration: Old Ottawa South Community Centre (The Firehall, 260 Sunnyside Ave�), at www�oldottawasouth�ca or 613-2474946�

A POP-UP SHOPPING EVENT, 100 per cent in support of Cornerstone Housing for Women, will be held on May 6 and 7 at Thyme & Again, 1255 Wellington St� W� There will be a wonderful selection of gentlyused and fashion forward women’s clothing and accessories� Please contact Katie thefaughts@rogers�com for more info�

PROBUS Ottawa is welcoming new members from the Glebe and environs� Join your fellow retirees, near retirees and want-to-be retirees for interesting speakers and discussions, not to mention relaxed socializing� See our website: www�probusoav�ca for more detailed information about the club and its activities as well as contact points, membership information and meeting location� We resume in-person gatherings on Wed�, Apr� 27 with a talk from Hallie Cotnam, a well-known CBC morning radio personality�

JANE’S WALK RETURNS! Join Jane’s Walk Ottawa-Gatineau May 7 and 8 to learn about local history, celebrate culture, and reconnect with your community following a two-year pandemic hiatus� Jane’s Walk is an annual festival of free community-led walking conversations inspired by the late urbanist, activist, and journalist Jane Jacobs� Pre-registration is required, and capacity will be capped to enable distancing� Wearing a mask is encouraged� Visit janeswalkottawa�ca for the schedule and to register� Follow Jane’s Walk Ottawa-Gatineau on Facebook, Twitter (@JanesWalkOtt) and Instagram (@JanesWalkOttawa) for updates�

AVAILABLE

Essex EGB165 BABY GRAND PIANO, FOR PRACTICE SESSIONS� Located in apartment bldg� Third & Queen Elizabeth Dr� I am vaccinated� Masks required� $15/30min� $25/hr� Ann (613294-5863)

Providing A VARIETY OF YARD MAINTENANCE

AND HOUSEHOLD CLEANING/ ORGANIZATION

SERVICES� Garden cleanup and landscaping to housekeeping and chores� If you are interested in my services, please call Janna Justa at 613-2936883� References available�

WARM WEATHER SEEKERS! Are you leaving town for an extended period of time and need a HOUSESITTER? I am a young lady who studies theology remotely with recent housesitting experience in the Glebe� I have excellent references and love to take care of animals, especially puppies! Please contact Sarah - 613-263-0590

BABYSITTING AVAILABLE! Are you in need of a sitter? I am available during the day and overnight� Please contact Sarah - 613-263-0590

PUPPYSITTING! Do you need someone to stay overnight with your little or big babe?? I am available to care for your fur baby during the day or night� I have excellent references� Sarah - 613-263-0590

FOR SALE

FRIENDS OF THE FARM SPRING GREETING

CARDS showcasing the timeless beauty of the Ornamental Gardens and Arboretum, and celebrating the work of horticulturalists like Isabella Preston who, through the decades, created some of the stunning flowers you see there� Available in our boutique (friendsofthefarm�ca/boutique/) in sets of six and can be shipped to you or picked up curbside at our offices� Available in sets only� Each set is $20 (regularly $24)�

WHERE TO FIND THE Glebe Report

In addition to free home delivery and at newspaper boxes on Bank Street, you can find copies of the Glebe Report at: Abbas Grocery Bloomfield Flowers Café Morala Capital Home Hardware Chickpeas Clocktower Pub Ernesto’s Barber Shop Escape Clothing Feleena’s Mexican Café Fourth Avenue Wine Bar Glebe Apothecary Glebe Meat Market Goldart Jewellery Studio Hogan’s Food Store Ichiban Irene’s Pub Isabella Pizza Kettleman’s Kunstadt Sports Lansdowne Dental Last Train to Delhi LCBO Lansdowne Loblaws Marble Slab Creamery McKeen Metro Glebe Nicastro Octopus Books Olga’s RBC/Royal Bank Second Avenue Sweets Studio Sixty Six Subway Sunset Grill The Ten Spot TD Bank Lansdowne TD Pretoria The Works Von’s Bistro Whole Health Pharmacy Wild Oat

Memories and Milestones Child Care Centre

NOW OPEN at 276 Sunnyside Avenue! Register today! Email: memoriesandmilestones2020@gmail�com for more information� We would love to hear from you!