By Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
A group of students who participate in the Enhanced Construction Program through the Greater Windsor Essex County District School Board have been granted the opportunity of a lifetime to hone their construction skills while learning valuable lessons in local history.
As part of the summer school program, students embarked on a remarkable field trip to the John Freeman Walls Underground Railroad Museum to assist in the revitalization of the deck at the historic homestead. With support from the Carpenters and Joiners Local 494, SHSM, and Milwaukee Tool, the students are rebuilding an existing deck and stage area, which are attached to the historic Simcoe Building, built in 1978.
This project not only equips students with essential construction skills but also connects them to the deep historical significance of the Homestead, guided by the descendants of John Freeman Walls.
“This is a great way to teach students about local history,” said Vicki Houston, director of education for the GECDSB. “Sometimes we have a tendency to forget the local people that came before us This is so much more than building a deck. This is a deck that is part of history attached to one of the oldest buildings in Canada.”
Houston says the project came to fruition through the ongoing partnership with the museum – which has existed for a number of years. The Board came to the organization offering the construction program’s services as a way to give back to the community. Many of the current participants in the program are looking to learn a trade as apprenticeships.
“We have an opportunity to give back to the community and projects like this really helps to showcase the importance for students to learn the history and be a part of history.” she added.
Chris Gosselin, the Enhanced Construction Program teacher shares that the partnership is a win-win for everyone involved.
“Students in the program receive exposure to many elements that could lead to a pathway to a trade within the construction industry,” he said. “Participants enroll for a full semester spending mornings working on construction sites and attend math and english in the afternoon. When they have completed the program, they move to a co-op program and we assist in a bridge to an apprenticeship.”
Gosselin says it’s a great way to make a living, especially for those who like to work with their hands. Only 21 students are accepted into the program a year, so there is an interview process. Classes take place at the Carpenters Union, Local 494 Road in Oldcastle.
Devari, a Gr. 11 student at Walkerville, started in the program a year ago.
“Even though it’s a lot of work, it’s a lot of fun too,” he said, adding that he is following in his dad’s steps as a carpenter.
Kaiden St. John, is a student at Essex District High School, says he loves the program and that fact that it’s all hands-on work. He prefers being in the field, as opposed to sitting in a classroom.
“I would like to be a framer in the future,” he added.
Stephanie Lamarsh Clements is one of two young ladies in the program. She heard about the opportunity through her sister and Skills Ontario. She welcomes the challenge to keep up in a trade dominated by men.
“This project allows students to apply their skills in a real-world setting while learning about the historical significance of their work from the descendants of John Freeman Walls,” said Dr. Bryan Walls, who alongside his wife Anna, have run the museum since 1976.
“This stage has hosted thousands of visitors, including countless dignitaries from around the world. Even the great Mrs. Rosa Parks sat upon this stage numerous times. This day was not just about rebuilding a deck; it was about preserving a piece of history that inspires and educates all who visit,” added Walls. “
The Underground Railroad was a series of routes that were established to hide and transport former slaves escaping the Southern United States to the North.
Located at 859 Puce Road in Lakeshore, the homestead was designated a historic site in 1982. It serves as an actual terminal of the Underground Railroad, offering Museum visitors a glimpse into the past and the courage of those who sought freedom.
“It’s exciting to see the youth here working while learning,” said Anna Walls. “It something they will remember for the rest of their lives. In fact, one student told me that he can’t wait to bring his family here one day.
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