R.C. Palmer Secondary School

R.C. Palmer Secondary School in 2004. City of Richmond Archives Photograph 2004 43 53.

R.C. Palmer Secondary School (1959- ) opened its doors in central Richmond in 1959 as a junior secondary school, initially serving Grades 7 to 9.

In the 1970s, the school suffered a devastating fire and, with the exception of the vocational shops and the gymnasiums, it had to be rebuilt in its entirety.

In 1996, the school became a junior-senior secondary.

Robert Palmer at a civic event, circa 1960. City of Richmond Archives Photograph 1987 17 6. Click to enlarge image.

Robert Palmer (1890-1967) was born in England and eventually settled in Richmond in 1923.

From then on, he served his adopted community in a variety of roles, including as School Board Secretary, Assistant Municipal Clerk, Municipal Clerk, and Treasurer and Collector. Eventually he became a magistrate and a judge at the juvenile court.

His public service career was so impressive that the School Board named this school after him.