Classes were held in one room in a public school and continued for only a short time.

Interest declined in the classes and higher education stopped for a period of time.

In 1908, another attempt was made to again begin classes for a continuation group, but again stopped shortly after in December 1910.

On September 6, 1914, under the principalship of Alma Crawforth of Whitby, Ontario, the continuation school started once more.

On January 6, 1924, the High School Board made a motion that the option held on the 3-acre (12,000 m2), 21 town lots, be accepted.

It is not clear whether someone like F. W. Warren, the architect, Oscar Wiles, the contractor or some other citizen made a motion to obtain another 3 acres (12,000 m2).

Before the sod was turned in June 1938, fourteen years had passed since the original land purchase.

R.H. Vice, present chairman of the School Board laid the cornerstone, July 21, 1938.

According to the book "The Development and Progress of Education in Elmira and Vicinity" George Klinck describes the school in the following manner: "Its distinguished, classical and dignified appearance, its favourable position which admits plenty of room on all sides, its solidity and durability, its freedom from questionable and perishable decorations, and its unresistable attractiveness" added to the outstanding features of the school.

The school grounds as described by the same author state" 6 acres (24,000 m2) of rich clay loam, about 1-acre (4,000 m2) of which is reserved for experimental instruction purposes.

The trustees have, wisely, consulted a professional landscape artist who has submitted a plan.

There will be planted a variety of fruit, shade and forest trees, shrubs and flowers in accordance with the artist's plans, as soon as the season opens.

Klinck states that it "will be enthusiastically welcomed by the boys who are gifted with mechanical and utilitarian proclivities Combinations of practicability with academic education is the ideal goal for the ambitions of a practical matter of fact community.

Some of the courses taught were General Academics, Junior Matriculation, Upper School in French, Latin and German, English History, Biology, Mathematics, Commercial Course, General Shop and Mechanics, Farm Mechanics, Woodworking, Sheet Metal, and Machine Drafting.

In his booklet The Development of Secondary Education in the Elmira District, former principal H. B. Disbrowe writes: "it was soon after the end of the war that demand for equality of educational opportunity led to the establishment of the first enlarged high school districts."

In 1947 there were lengthy negotiations between the councils of the town of Elmira and the townships of Woolwich, Wellesley, and Peel.

Young ladies wore Gibson girl blouses (white) with black kerchiefs tied under the collar to make a bow at the front, and black gored skirts with crinoline slips holding them out; and ankle socks and saddle shoes.

After miscellaneous expenses were added on, the total came $18.00 short of the limit the board would spend of $158,800.

(Some will remember the year that Ernie tried to limit the close dancing by going out on the floor with a ruler to measure the distance between heads.

It felt that the courses that were offered at that time were mainly geared 10 help prepare students for university entrance.

In addition there were also occupational courses for boys and girls who only have one or two years to spend at school.

Disbrowe, principal, felt that the changes in the secondary school programme, which were being implemented in Elmira, were the most sweeping to occur in Ontario.

As George Klinck wrote, "Suffice it to state that the school stands as a tribute to the dutifulness and enterprise of the citizens of the town, to the ability of the architect and to the skill of the contractors and their helpers.

This account of the beginnings of education at EDSS was written in conjunction with the writings of George Klinck and Frank Bristow.