SC 150

Our History

In the fall of 1872, construction began on a new school in Stanstead. It was to be a Wesleyan school, and it would serve both the local border community and residential students from elsewhere. In December of that year, the cornerstone was laid and letters of incorporation signed.

Over the next 150 years, Stanstead College would change and evolve, sometimes by circumstance -- a devastating fire in 1938 -- sometimes by choice -- becoming boys-only in 1958... and back to co-ed in 1979. The school has weathered World Wars, the Depression, recessions, political and social upheaval. It has survived the Spanish flu and, now, COVID-19. Through it all, Stanstead College has set thousands of young women and men from around the world on the road to success and a bright future.

Rooted in tradition, always looking forward, Stanstead College will mark the 150th anniversary of its founding through a series of celebrations and events beginning in the fall of 2022 and running through 2023. We look forward to sharing our history and our Stanstead family's stories with you. Watch this space for updates and information.

150th Events

From the Archives

List of 4 news stories.

Stanstead Celebrates 150th at Homecoming & Gala
5/16/2023
By Kyra Borsoi

This past Saturday, Stanstead College welcomed back a record-breaking 250 alumni, former faculty and past/current parents to campus for Homecoming and to celebrate the 150^th anniversary.
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What about the 125th?
1/27/2023
One of the highlights of Stanstead College’s 125^th year was the visit by Governor General Romeo Leblanc. As guest speaker at the Baccalaureate and Prize-Giving on June 20, 1997, he urged the graduating class to go out into the world with open minds, open hearts and open voices.
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The British Contingent: Evacuees During WWII
12/9/2022
Reprinted from the Red & White, Fall 2006

Soon after nine o’clock I was in bed and watching, through the windows, the silvery searchlights sweep the sky. How many were there? One... two… four… seven… nine! They swept the sky [above Liverpool] in wide arcs, crossing each other, wandering and turning, and piercing the clouds. From time to time they would all flash onto a particular spot in the heavens, rest there a moment, and then turn away. I do not know how long it was that I watched the searchlights, but at length I got drowsy and began to think of silly things, such as lions and tigers, swastikas and submarines, and so fell asleep. - “Our Last Night in England,” Barbara Eades, Grade 8, Stanstead College Annual, 1941
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No Clock, New Clock, Broken Clock, Renewed Clock
11/24/2022
Reprinted from The Red & White, 1990

A devastating fire completely destroyed the original Main Building on Saturday, May 28, 1938, but within 48 hours the Board of Trustees met and unanimously decided to take immediate steps to rebuild. It was quite a challenge as all that remained were a few charred corner posts.

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150th Celebration Photos on Flicker

A Look Back in Time

1870-1872: Beginnings

In 1870, a group of Wesleyan ministers met in Sherbrooke and agreed to build a college in the Eastern Townships. Stock sold at $25 a share, with the hopes of raising $20,000. Whichever community put up $10,000 would be home to the college.
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1873-1876: Opening and the Church

Construction took place through 1873, and the first classes began in the first week of January 1874. Rev. A. Lee Holmes was the first principal.
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1894: Bugbee Business College

Dr. and Mrs. A.G. Bugbee of Derby Line donate the residence of Albert Knight, former Stanstead MLA, and have it moved across the field to the College grounds to be used as Bugbee Business College.
(Photo Eastern Townships Archives)
1902-1905: The College Grows

The Eastern Townships Conservatory of Music establishes itself at Stanstead College with the opening of Pierce Memorial Hall.
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1931: Amaron Era begins

Rev. E.C. Amaron becomes principal, remaining so for 23 years.
1938-40: Fire and Rebuilding

A chimney fire spreads to destroy the main building on Saturday, May 28, 1938. With the help of regional high schools lending material, the school was able to finish the academic year.
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WWII

During the war, the College hosts evacuees from Oldfeld School in Swanage, Dorset.

1946 – Alumni Association donates memorial gates.
1951

Pierce Hall is destroyed by fire.
1958-1959: Time of Change

1958: Faced with declining enrollment, the school closes Bugbee Business School and the Eastern Townships Music Conservatory. Pierce Hall is rebuilt. Davis House for senior boys and Bugbee House for junior boys open.
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1965-68: New Construction

1965 – Amaron Gymnasium opens.
1968 – LeBaron Hall opens.
1972-1973: Centennial Celebrations

A year of centennial celebrations includes the opening of the Ralph B. Hood Swimming Pool and a visit by Governor-General Roland Michener.
1977: SC Goes It Alone

In the face of Bill 101, Stanstead College chooses to no longer accept the per-student subsidy from the Quebec government. The resulting independence allows the school to maintain control over its policies, including allowing francophone students to enroll without certificates of eligibility.
1979: The Girls Return

Stanstead College returns to co-ed status.
1991: New Girls Residence

A new residence for senior girls, Webster House opens.
2001: Fire Strikes Again

The Rec Hall is destroyed by fire. Eight months later a new student centre is built and later named the Eric T. Webster Student Centre.
2007-2020: A Period of Growth

2007: The College purchases neighbouring "Broadview," also known as "Butters House," to house its Advancement Department.

2011: After a capital campaign, including government funding announced in person by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Pat Burns Arena opens.
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2020: COVID-19 Shut-Down

Like most schools across North America, Stanstead College was forced to temporarily suspend on-campus operations in March 2020 due to the global COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
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2022: 150th Celebrations Begin

Stanstead College embarks on celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of its founding. The anniversary coincides with a period of record enrollment at the school.
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2023: New Residence & Wellness Centre

Construction begins in the fall of 2022 on a new junior girls residence and a wellness centre. Built to accommodate the influx of younger girls as a partial result of a second hockey team, the residence is named Wolfe House in honour of outgoing head of school Michael Wolfe.