The Red Brick School
The Red Brick School in Elgin Ontario is both the symbolic and physical home for the Elgin and Area Heritage Society. This building was unique at the time it was constructed in 1887 due to its advanced design. Since 2003 it has been meticulously restored by the Society and used to retain and reinforce local history.
This School consists of two classrooms, the Junior Room and the Senior Room. The Society completely transformed the Junior Room so that it can function as a late 19th century classroom. Today’s students learn how different things were without mobile devices, electric power, or running water. Visiting students experience instruction using period teaching methods, (but thankfully no yardsticks or canes are necessary). They discover that the curriculum includes lessons in memory work, cursive writing using chalk and a slate, and Roman numerals.
The Senior Room is now used as a heritage focused event area and lecture space. Events over the years have showcased local families and stories, veterans, school houses and an iconic photographer, with more plans for the future.
Learning makes the world a better place, but it doesn’t just happen in the classroom - it’s a life-long pursuit. But what a classroom we’ve created with the Red Brick School.
Upcoming Events
In the Works
On Saturday, October 25th at 1:30, EAHS hosts Johanna Lemke, author of "Enemy Under Our Roof" at the Elgin Community Room. Johanna will relate her personal, spellbinding story of living through the horrors of the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands during the Second World War.
South Crosby Rural Telephone Company
Written and submitted by Neil A. Patterson. This article describes the history of the South Crosby Rural Telephone Company envisioned at Elgin, Ontario the 7th day of November 1907. Read the article at: https://eahs.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025-07-Elgin-Telephone.pdf. The article also appeaars in the EAHS 2025 Summer Newsletter found under the Newsletter tab.
Where Old Meets New
Read Grade 12 Rideau District High School student Kate Coleman’s article highlighting the EAHS involvement with the Upper Canada Schoolboard’s mobile digital lab initiative. Kate’s article can be found at the following link: https://eahs.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025-07-Kate-Coleman.pdf and also in our 2025 Summer Newsletter at the Newsletter tab.
RDHS Student’s Research Wins Trip
Members of the EAHS Board of Directors were pleased to meet Rideau District High School student Arden Lowry, along with local historian/researcher Kim Proud, at the Red Brick School on October 3, 2024, to hear of Arden’s WW1 research and upcoming trip.
WWI – 156th Leeds & Grenville Overseas Battalion C.E.F. Summer of 1916 at Barriefield Camp.
This intriguing article detailing the life of members of the 156th Platoon from recruitment to transport overseas to engage in the war will both entertain and educate you. . Researched and written by Kim Proud, you will be transported to the life and times at the Barriefield Camp.
Henry Augustus Coon: From Recruit to Lieutenant
This article is a glimpse into local WW 1 veteran Henry Augustus Coon, as told by his daughter Libby Henson (Coon) and edited by Kim Proud.
WW 1 Personal Property Survives War and Decades Following
This brief article introduces the personal footlocker of Henry Augustus Coon with roots to the 156th Platoon.
Study Lamp Arrives at the Red Brick School
Some journeys just do come full circle. as evidenced by this little story of a student’s study lamp which has now arrived at the school at which that student eventually taught. Perhaps the lamp not only shed light on her homework, but illuminated the path to her career as well.
Education in South Crosby
This is the first in a serties of three articles by Neil A. Patterson about early education in South Crosby Township.
Education in South Crosby – Schools
This is the second in a series of three articles by Neil A. Patterson about early education in South Crosby Township. The focus of this article is on the schools of that time.
Education in South Crosby – Teachers
This is the third in a series of three articles by Neil A. Patterson about early education in South Crosby Township. The focus of this article is on teachers of that time.