
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
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".
On Sunday November 10th the Red Brick School will be open following the 1 pm RC Legion Branch 231 service in Heritage Park. Please join us for light refreshments and to view our displays.
We are excited about showcasing these new items and two books by volunteer researcher Kim Proud. One book is entitled " WW1 Leeds County Boys - Fought & Died for Our Freedom". This is a beautifully composed book outlining a brief biographical sketch and military record of each of the 26 area soldiers KIA. The second book, "World War1: 156th Leeds & Grenville Overseas Battalion C.E.F." provides information on members of the Elgin Platoon and also a deeper understanding of the 156th Battalion and life at the Barriefield Training Camp. Both of these books add much to our understanding of the community's local war efforts and also will be of interest to family members with ancestors who served in the Elgin Platoon..
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.
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 […]