Ganong

Contributed by Margaret Bourne

Susan B. Ganong B.Sc., LLD (1873-1961) was born in St. Stephen, N.B. in 1873. After graduating with honors from high school there, and then completing Normal School (Teacher) training in Fredericton, she returned to St. Stephen to teach for three years. Further studies gained her a B.Sc. from Smith College in Northumberland, Mass. And qualified her to teach science at the Halifax Ladies’ College. After four years at the Ladies’ College, Miss Ganong came to Rothesay in 1903 as Co-Principal of Netherwood. In 1912, she assumed full responsibility as Principal and owner of the school, in which she remained for forty-one years.

As principal, Miss Ganong’s priorities were the education, health, and welfare of her girls and, under her leadership, Netherwood became internationally known as a school of high scholastic standing. She was keenly interested in the study of French and, during summer holidays spent abroad, furthered her own study of the language and brought home various treasures to add to the beauty of the school. She encouraged music and art and, to foster interest in these subjects, brought musicians, artists, and art exhibitions to the school. These events were often generously offered to the public as well. Although her principal focus was always the school, Miss Ganong had many other interests and was honored for her involvement in at least two of them: the YWCA and the N.B. Museum. In 1943, Miss Ganong was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree by U.N.B. in recognition of her significant contributions to education in the province of New Brunswick.

Dr. Ganong retired in 144 but continued living in her cottage on the school property until her death in 1961. In recognition of their high regard for her, the Old Girls commissioned Kenneth Forbes to paint Dr. Ganong’s portrait, which now hangs in the dinning hall at Rothesay Netherwood School. It hangs as a fitting tribute to a woman who profoundly influence the many girls who were under her and who remember her with affectionate esteem and respect.