Dr Carruthers School

Miss Mary Collins came to North Bay in 1909 and taught at King Edward and Queen Victoria schools. King Edward School is the present location of the public library. Worthington Street School is the empty property at the corner of Ferguson and Worthington. After abandoning the log schoolhouse on Main Street near Cassells Street, the public school board established these two historic schools. A dedicated teacher, she was appointed principal of Dr Carruthers School for its opening June 2, 1922. A noteworthy achievement for a woman teacher in an era when there was a traditional preference for men as principals. Miss Collins carried on for 12 years before retiring at the end of June 1934. She left North Bay and moved to Toronto where she died in the fall of 1941.
The public school was the centre of the local community. The caretaker played a prominent role in the life of the school. In this position, the caretaker maintained and superintended the building, assets and property. He knew the students, many of their parents and played a wider role than his job description may have indicated. The pupils, teachers and parents looked upon the caretaker with fondness. John Smythe was first caretaker at Dr Carruthers. The students affectionately referred to him as “Uncle Johnny”. This caring school personage died while working at the school in June 1936.
Dr Carruthers was a pioneer doctor in North Bay. On arrival, he immediately got involved in education matters. In the early days, few men had an education beyond 4-5 years of public school. The teachers at the elementary level had no college training and were either graduates of the model school or received temporary posting on approval of the inspector. The leading citizens who had university education were often the doctor, lawyer, judge, church minister and priest as well as an occasional education official. Residents with these qualifications played a major role in school administration in North Bay. A G Browning, crown attorney, and Judge Valin helped to start the public library. Reverend Scollard was secretary of the separate school board for many years. Dr Carruthers was mayor in 1895 and served as chairman and secretary of the public school board almost continuously during his residence in town. As a former teacher, he was comfortable in the school setting. When he visited classrooms, as was his wont, he led the students in singing and displayed his vocal music talents. He knew the children and their families and was eager to take part in community life. At St Andrews Presbyterian Church, Dr Carruthers was choirmaster and soloist even before the church acquired an organ or piano. North Bay lost a dedicated citizen when he died in 1904.