Most people are aware of the castle-like building that sits atop Water Street.
Galt Collegiate Institute is an architectural staple in the city, but not everyone is aware of its rich history.
That’s why vice principal Jane McWilliams has helped organize an open house this Saturday to celebrate and educate residents on its storied past.
And storied, it is.
“Beyond being such a physical presence, there’s so many people that have been here,” McWilliams said.
“We have so many people in the city who have connections to the school, from parents, grandparents and great grandparents.”
Long known as a drama hub, the Tassie Hall auditorium has been home to shows for a century. The stage itself is turning 100 this year, McWilliams says.
The hall was the starting place for Galt Little Theatre, now known as the Cambridge Community Players.
On Friday and Saturday evening the auditorium will showcase the next generation of acting hopefuls as the student led production Clue on Stage will be under the lights. The cast of the show will be part of the open house on Saturday afternoon.
McWilliams also has a connection to Cambridge Community Players, having directed and acted for years.
For those looking to support the Cambridge Community Players, it will be hosting an 80’s video dance party on Saturday night at 8 p.m. to help raise funds for much needed renovations.
An address from mayor Jan Liggett, tours of three of the oldest rooms in the school, archival displays and an the opportunity to sign an old guest book will all be part of the open house festivities.
“It all seemed like a neat connection, knowing the city was turning 50 and I just thought it would be a nice way to tie in all sorts of things,” McWilliams said.
“It’s important to celebrate these connections of history. We’re not just an old building, we have stuff going on and its an active part of the community.”
With sunshine in the forecast, McWilliams is looking forward to getting people together and connecting different eras of time in a celebration of unity.
“It’s important to see the connections in the community and see that it's active and alive,” she said.
“It can be tempting to see this building as old, but we’re such an active community of 1000 students and it's an interwoven history."
The open house will run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
