Sir Adam Beck Collegiate Institute: An East London Legacy by Joshua Klar First named Sir Adam Beck Collegiate Institute, London’s newest high school opened its doors on January 4, 1927, fulfilling a long-held dream of East Villagers for a modern collegiate to serve their community. The official opening ceremony followed on February 22, 1927, featuring a formal address by the Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario and the unveiling of a bronze plaque honouring Sir Adam Beck. The school was built on a 20-acre lot on Dundas Street, offering sports fields considered unrivalled in the city. The property was purchased by the School Board from the Ontario government through the efforts of Sir Adam Beck himself. Naming the school in his honour served as a memorial to one of London’s most distinguished citizens.
The Original School The original building was impressive for its time, containing 17 standard classrooms, three fully-equipped science classrooms, a library, a cafeteria and lunch room, administration offices, a gymnasium and a large auditorium. The auditorium was considered one of the finest in London, equipped with a modern stage, advanced equipment, and excellent acoustics. Safety was also a hallmark of the design; the building was constructed of fireproof brick, with four double exits and four stairways. Heating was provided by two large low-pressure boilers, with each classroom equipped with a thermostat-controlled radiator— luxurious compared to the wood or coal stoves still common in schools at the turn of the century. Later, an addition expanded the cafeteria, gymnasium, and added nine more classrooms.
Sir Adam Beck: Father of Hydro Beck was a significant figure in London’s history. Known as the father of hydro, he championed the use of hydroelectricity as a public power source. A former Mayor of London and the city’s Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for nearly two decades, Beck played a pivotal role in shaping Ontario’s energy future. In 1906, he introduced legislation to create the Hydroelectric Power Commission of Ontario, following his investigation into transporting electricity from Niagara Falls to Southwestern Ontario. He served as chairman of the commission until his death in 1925, leaving behind a transformative legacy.
Closing and Transformation The school continued to operate until June 1982, when declining enrolment led to its closure. That spring, a large three-day reunion brought together former students and staff to celebrate the school’s legacy. Highlights included a parade from the fairgrounds to the school, featuring Miss Canada, a former student at Beck. In 1983, more than 80% of the school’s interior was demolished, and the building was converted into the Administration Offices of the Thames Valley District School Board. Today, it continues to serve as the board’s head office, preserving the site’s connection to education in London. All photos courtesy
of the London Room, London Public Library. Left column:
Renovations. Right top to bottom: Sir Adam Beck School in 1928; Library; Auditorium.
Page 12 Old East Villager Jan-Feb 2026
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