The last remaining pillar of the Long Branch Public and Continuation School, one of the earliest established schools in Etobicoke, has been relocated to the north-west corner of Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Long Branch Ave. to acknowledge the rich history of Long Branch Village circa 1884.
The concrete pillar bears a bronze sign that outlines its historic significance and that it has “been carefully relocated to preserve its connection to the community.”
The school began life as a two-storey Long Branch Public School, which was built in 1915 at 3495 Lake Shore Blvd. W. It was turned into the Long Branch Public and Continuation School in 1927, so Upper school and commercial subjects could be taught there.
In 1930, Long Branch incorporated as a village. It was during the Depression years and many of the students left school by Grade 6 so they could help support their families.
In 1931 Long Branch secedes from the Township of Etobicoke.
By 1948 a kindergarten was established and two years later a Senior Boys Academic Vocational class began at the school.
Long Branch becomes part of the Lakeshore District School Board in 1951 and the Continuation School was moved to the New Toronto Collegiate. Students from the Public School had their school renamed the James S. Bell Public School, after Bell who served the school from 1926 to 1946.