Valentine's Day was serious business at MacLean School.
Just take a look at these decorations - there was no messing around when it came to celebrating love and community.
This photo from February 1958 captures the school's annual Valentine's Tea, an event cherished by students, teachers, and families alike.
But that year, the day held even greater significance, it marked the official opening of MacLean's brand-new activity room.
This addition to the school had an interesting past.
The building that became the activity room was originally the Drill Hall, constructed in 1904 in response to the Boer War.
For years the hall stood idle, its military purpose long faded.
That changed when the school district stepped in, purchasing the hall and transforming it into a multipurpose space and cafeteria for MacLean students.
The building played another key role in Rossland's history after MacLean School was tragically lost to fire in 1981.
While a new school was being built, the Drill Hall became a temporary school, ensuring that MacLean students still had a place to learn and grow.
Though the Drill Hall is no longer open to the public, it remains a significant part of Rossland's military heritage.
Now, with plans underway for its transformation into the Rossland Arts Centre, there's a sense of anticipation for the new purpose it will serve in the community.
Did you ever spend time in the Drill Hall?
Maybe you remember it as a school, an activity space, or simply as a familiar part of Rossland's landscape.
The Rossland archives would love to hear your stories.
Do you have original photos capturing Rossland's rich past?
Help keep the city's history alive for future generations by donating them to the Rossland archives: photos can be scanned and originals retained.
