The Goulter name may sound familiar. That’s because one of Virden’s elementary schools is named after this first family!

 

Mr. Herbert Hanks Goulter was born in Gloucestershire, England on June 9, 1862. He immigrated to Canada and first lived in Ontario. He studied law in Portage La Prairie and moved to Virden in 1885, where his parents joined him. He and his parents lived on the corner of Ninth Avenue and Queen Street in the house that became known as the ‘Goulter House”.

 

He married Jennie Evelyn on April 29, 1903. They adopted two daughters, Lillian and Dorothy. He and Jennie were very involved in education and music. They were also incredibly generous to those who were less fortunate. He played organ at the St. Mary’s Anglican church and also was involved process of purchasing a new one for the church.

 

Mr. Goulter was incredibly active in community events, and he donated large sums to the Virden Hospital Board, which he was also member of.

 

He owned the first car in Virden, which he purchased in 1906. It was a horror to drive, because it would scare horses on the road. Regardless, it was a milestone for Virden.

 

Mr. Goulter died in 1935. He left behind his wife, Jennie, who went on to raise their two daughters. She was born in 1879 and passed away 19 years later, on April 17, 1945. Complying with her wishes, trust funds were set up, benefiting multiple groups like the VCI, Virden Hospital, and the Town of Virden.

 

Goulter school was built in 1957 and it commemorates the Goulter family.