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.
The Elgin and Area Heritage Society has an event that historical, photographic, and artistic buffs shouldn't miss.
A limited 20 day exhibit (weekends only, commencing June 29th) features an extraordinary collection of photos by Clifford Pennock, an early 20th century photographic pioneer. The exhibit is on display at the Red Brick School in Elgin.
Rediscover how Clifford Pennock viewed this era through his masterful photographic lens and what he saw after he pressed the shutter. To bring this to life, his work has been digitally remastered, in full colour, for a 21st century audience.
Over 100 of his best photos will be on show in large format colour. The images are masterful in structure and composition and are among the best of the society's collection of over 1300 ORIGINAL Pennock prints.
This exhibit provides a new lens on South Crosby.
Bringing Greetings
Passport Proof
Time is Short!
Enoying a Chat
Happy to Visit
From 100 years to today
Upcoming Events
In the Works
Check our calendar and the "Events" tab often for dates and times of upcoming EAHS events. See the ribbon below for new posts and read the latest in "Articles".
The official launch of the Clifford Pennock: A New Lens on South Crosby takes place at the Red Brick School at 2 PM, June 29th.
We are excited about an awesome exhibit at the Red Brick School. A curated selection of original and remastered photographs by renowned local photographer, Clfford Pennock, will be on display every Saturday and Sunday, 10 am - 3 pm, from June 29th through September 1st. You definitely do not want to miss this remarkable showcase.
The Beverley Trio will visit Heritage Park to enthrall music lovers at Music in the Park from 2pm - 4pm on August 25th
WW1 Footlocker Has Connections With the 156th Platoon
The WW1 collection of the Elgin and Are Heritage Society was recently augmented with the receipt of a foolocker that belonged to Lieutenant Henry Augustus Coon.
RDHS Student’s Research Wins Trip
Members of the EAHS Board of Directors were pl;eased 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.
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.
Elgin’s Red Brick School House
This article is a blog by Peter Coffman, Art & Architectural History – Carleton University. Click the following link to view the article. Shared with permission. https://carleton.ca/aah/2024/elgins-red-brick-schoolhouse/
Clifford Pennock: A New Lens on South Crosby
Clifford Pennock: Remastered A New Lens on South Crosby A New Lens on South Crosby is the title of an exciting summer exhibition being presented by the Elgin and Area Heritage Society at the Red Brick School, Elgin, Ontario. Sourced from some 1,300 archived pictures taken by early 20th century photographer, Clifford Pennock, this selection […]
Elgin Pickle Factory
The following article was authored by long-time contributor and supporter of the Elgin and Area Heritage Society, Neil Patterson. The Elgin Pickle Factory began operation in 1951 by Patrick McCoy. Patrick had been born in Ireland in 1902 and emigrated to Canada in 1923. He took a job with Libby, McNiell and Libby in Chatham, […]
South Crosby Railway Stations
The following article, written by Neil Patterson, is a nostalgic look at railway stations that at one time dotted the tracks throughout South Crosby Township. Sadly, only pictures and memories remain today. The feature image on the left is the Newboro Station.