April 1916 marked the beginning of agricultural courses taught as part of local curriculum. In Chilliwack, the instructor, Mr. J.C. Readey, taught agriculture at Chilliwack High School and traveled to the elementary schools to speak on related topics and to assist with the development of school gardens. At the high school, a garden plot of about a 1/2-acre was established and, in 1917, a greenhouse was built.
In 1925, Mr. Readey resigned and Fred Welland was appointed the new agriculture teacher. Although the board had considered dropping agriculture courses at this time, they were persuaded to continue but dropped its sponsorship of the school gardens program at the schools. Instead, the board would supply seeds to elementary school students who could use them in gardens at home. As a result, Mr. Welland did not have to make the many frequent visits as Mr. Readey had in examination of his student's work. Mr. Welland continued in the position until 1931.
Through the early 1930s, the school gardens program underwent many changes as new instructors came and went. It was not until 1935 when Neill MacGregor was hired to teach agriculture that the program remained consistent for some time. In 1938, the school garden program became of interest to Mr. MacGregor and, in 1939, became part of what he taught. Several changes were made to better administer the program and as the Fair dates changed from September to August different varieties of flowers and vegetables were introduced to make the program successful.
However, although the school garden program ran successfully when Mr. MacGregor served overseas with the Royal Canadian Air Force, the agricultural program did not. MacGregor had been interested in the American Vocational Agricultural program, and introduced some of its methods to the local curriculum. Of specific interest was the establishment, in 1939, of a supervised farming program and in 1941 the creation of a 10 acre school farm. Although a suitable replacement teacher was able to maintain what had been established, the replacement's replacement did not share the same interest in the program, and the program declined in popularity. As a result, Neil MacGregor upon his return from overseas, took on the job to re-establish the program and bring it back to its former standards. New features included farm mechanics with courses in tractors and arc welding.
Throughout the late 1940s and early 1950s, there was great interest in Practical Education Programs across Canada. The delivery of these programs received further incentive when the Canadian Research Committee on Practical Education was formed in 1947. By 1949, the Dominion-Provincial Government Agreement Act for Vocational Training and Agricultural Education, made grants available to support agricultural programs up to 50% of their cost. At the same time as growth in the field was encouraging, money became available to build vocational training facilities. Changes in Chilliwack meant that a new high school was required and in 1949, work began on a new high school with Vocational-Agricultural facilities for the students.
A new Agriculture-Farm Mechanics building was constructed as was a root cellar and greenhouse. In addition, the school obtained a complete set of equipment for both the agriculture and farm mechanics sections. A reference library acquired many of the latest in agricultural textbooks and the Canadian Legion Agriculture booklet series was obtained. Other reference materials were gathered from colleges and the Department of Agriculture.
Another program that was adapted for use in Chilliwack was Future Farmers of Canada, based on its American equivalent. Introduced in 1950, the program was established at several B.C schools and held a provincial convention that eventually met over Easter. One convention was held in Chilliwack in 1954. The organization was a "club" that encouraged youth interested in the success of the future farm and the inherent values associated with agricultural work. Club activities included demonstrations, public speaking, father and son banquets as well mechanics, crops, livestock and other activities associated with farming.
Vocational-Agricultural programs continued at Chilliwack High School until changes to grade levels in association with particular school levels, such as Junior High School and Senior High School were changed. Originally, high school had been a five year program, grades 8-12, reduced to a two year, grades 11-12 program, thereby losing three years of instruction time. By Fall of 1968 the program was finished although agricultural curriculum was revised for BC classrooms in 1977-78.
The Farmers Institute in East Chilliwack was incorporated on January 16, 1973, with a large membership of active farmers. This group has spearheaded many initiatives including bulk buying, drainage projects and other agriculturally related activities.
Member of Future Farmers of Canada ploughing with a tractor. Chilliwack Progress photo.