Manual Training School

The heritage site consists of the Old Manual Training School building and lot, attached to the Public Library at 1212 2nd Street North, Cranbrook, B.C.

The Manual Training School is recognized for its historic value as an educational centre and community resource in Cranbrook.

Public discussion regarding the need for a manual training facility for the students in Cranbrook School District led to the creation of the heritage site which was designed in 1912 by architect J. J. O'Gara of Cranbrook. The contract was awarded to George Leask in June of 1912 for about $7,000. The brick construction was finished in November of that same year. The children of Cranbrook used this place to learn and perform practical aspects of education such as woodwork and metalwork.

After serving as a manual training school it became the home of Central School's kindergarten class. The building was later attached to the building now used as a public library and a street put through which separated it from the Central School main building. Presently it is owned by the City and is used as an additional meeting place for the Cranbrook Library patrons and is available for rent by organizations in the city.

The character-defining elements of this building and lot include its:

- Interesting "temple-front" attempt

- Construction date and name prominent over front entrance

- Locally-fired brick material

- Large windows forming a distinct pattern on the side walls

- Continuous "cornice" with an unusual split over the main door

- Very "human" scale and great deal of character

- Prominent position looking across 2nd Street North to the rear of the Old Central School Building