Students and alumni from the ages of six to 96 gathered on Saturday to take in a milestone anniversary at Chilliwack's second-oldest school.
Cheam Elementary School celebrated its 150th anniversary on May 10.
Former students from North Vancouver, Langley, and right here in Chilliwack joined others for the historic event, some bringing old class photos for others to see.
Memories of alumni were shared, including those of Jackie Nelmes who spoke at the event, and 96-year-old Jim Stevenson of Chilliwack, who was likely the oldest former Cheam student in attendance.
Nelmes was in Grade 1 when she started at Cheam in 1942.
She spoke of the "good old days of Cheam" where there were outdoor toilets and a wood shed.
"Each classroom had a stove to supply heat when needed, but strangely, neither I nor my friends can remember who was responsible for keeping the classroom heated."
During recess and lunch, Nelmes recalled playing games like tag, run sheep run, mother may I?, and red rover.
She shared a story about a fellow classmate who hid the register as an April Fool's joke. The teacher, Mr. Reynolds, walked up and down the rows asking each person if they were responsible, but no one admitted it.
"We were then told we would be strapped one by one until the culprit was discovered," Nelmes said. "We sat trembling in our desks, but thankfully the guilty party confessed and we escaped the strap."
Nelmes also spoke of her Grade 1 teacher Mrs. Dunn who was a "kind, caring, wonderful lady." Dunn was the reason Nelmes become a teacher herself.
Current students at the school marked the sesquicentennial birthday with the singing of an original song, a talent show, historic write-ups, art, and handmade items like miniature tables with hand-sewn tablecloths.
Bits of history were strewn throughout the building, including stories of the school over the years, archival photos, and artifacts like a slate from the early 1900s and a handbell.
To read more about the school and its history, read the story published by The Chilliwack Progress on May 1.
