After a twenty-one-year absence, former housemaster Lance Bean returned to the School to undertake a special project.

He has undertaken to establish a perpetual mixed media exhibition area—a "living museum"—which will recreate the story of Shawnigan Lake School, highlighting its development and achievements against a backdrop of significant world events over the decades.

This physical re-creation of the different eras—the corner of a classroom, part of a dorm, a teacher's study, office facilities, and cameo representations of various aspects of everyday life will be achieved using original furnishings, artifacts, clothing, academic materials, books, newspapers, magazines, photographs, film, video and sound recordings. It is hoped that such an environment will be a worthwhile extension to the significant work that others do, and have done in the past, to maintain active communication with the School community and to develop our archival resources. It should also be a tangible demonstration of the value we place upon the diverse contributions of all former students and staff who paved the way for the present success of the School.

The Museum is being developed in the basement of Marion Hall, right in the centre of campus. The immediate task is to accumulate a unique collection of authentic artifacts from the 1900s. As it is in any large family with limited resources, much of what the School has acquired over the years is still in current use, has been "handed down" and trimmed to fit, or has been recycled and discarded.

In our search for what we need, we are seeking donations of any of the items listed, and similar collectable memorabilia in reasonably good condition, which you may have hidden in your attics or basements.

Although we wish to represent every decade since 1916, the emphasis is on the early years: 1910 to the 1970s. With your support, this project should be a unique bridge with the past, one which would provide a necessary link, not only for generations of former students and their families, but for present students, prospective students, guests and visitors to the School from all over the world. If you are able to help, or should you require further information, please contact Lance Bean by telephone: (250) 743-5516 or by email:

URGENTLY NEEDED: Bound books - published pre-1930, suitable for bookshelves in the Headmaster's Study in 1927 (literature, poetry collections, history, world events, dictionary, etc.) Boys clothing from 1920s and 1930s Circa 1930s upright floor model doctor's weighing scales, with height measuring rod Office spirit duplicating machine (mimeograph), – 1960s/70s 1920s/30s gentleman's bicycle

ALSO WANTED FOR SPECIAL PROJECT:

Shawnigan-related:
School Publications
Programs/Posters of School Events
School reports (or photocopies)
Student notebooks, lab books
All Items of School Uniform
Sports Uniform
Candid photographs, 8mm or 16 mm film footage

Personal:
Clothing- 1920s/1930s/ 1940s:
Boys wool serge or tweed suits with button-at-knee or regular pant.
Boy's Grey Flannel Suit - Men's single or double-breasted suits.
Boy's shoes, boots. gym shoes

Miscellaneous:
Early Gas Station Signs.
Bicycle from 20s. 30s. 40s. 50s
Old movie posters 1970s
Early office equipment 1930s
Early spectacles. pocket watch, wristwatch
Early squash racquets
Old football boots, rugby boots, rugby ball
Old boxing shorts
Early store advertisements, posters, signs 1950s/60s
Early model planes,
WW 2 memorabilia/uniforms
Musical Instruments (old + not-so-old)

Household:
Early Food Containers: coffee, tea, Fry's Coco 1920s/30s
jam, cookies, candies, porridge, cereal
Early radiophone - with horn (1920s)
Early 20s/30s woodworking tools