The Red Brick School
The Elgin and Area Heritage Society (EAHS) is a non-profit charitable organization formed in 2003 in the village of Elgin, Ontario, Rideau Lakes Township.
In recent years the EAHS restored the Red Brick School, at 48 Halladay St., which now serves as the Society’s home base and cultural centre.
From this historic building, the EAHS undertakes and supports historical research and preservation in the local Elgin area.
Each year the EAHS presents one major historical theme, punctuated by several smaller events such as topical speakers and grade school spelling bees.
A Message from Our President: Ted Dwyre
Greetings to all members, friends and supporters of EAHS. Unbelievably, COVID-19 has forced us to Social Distance and Self Isolate which has changed the lives and routines of all. Like you, we miss the activities and experiences we have shared in the past.
As all are aware, the Heritage Society has postponed or cancelled most of our public activities of 2020. Nonetheless, dedicated members are continuing to work on – developing new projects, researching and preparing future exhibits and events, and maintaining on a variety of levels our mission focused on heritage and culture of the Elgin and area community. This special “update newsletter” will acquaint you with all that is happening.
In closing, we look longingly forward to once again meeting at the Red Brick School, no doubt sharing our memories of the 2020 Pandemic. I ask you all to Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, and Stay in Touch with EAHS.
Founders’ and Volunteers’ Recognition Event
The E.A.H.S is hosting a private Founders’ and Volunteers’ Recognition Event on September 24, 2023, from 1 pm – 4 pm at the Elgin Municipal Complex. This time of celebration and recognition, including a guest speaker, is a tribute to those whose vision, dedication, and perseverance has led to 20 years of area heritage and …
2023 Events Plans
The EAHS is celebrating 20 years in 2023 and is very excited to share their calendar of events for this special anniversary year. Twenty years ago, a small group of concerned citizens formed the Society in order to preserve and restore the former Elgin Public School. The EPS closed its doors to South Crosby students …
How Quebec’s Greatest Authors Were Brought to English Canada
This article was first published in The Walrus Nov. 21, 2017 and updated Dec 3, 2019. As the article was published over five years ago, and updated over three years ago, some information may no longer be current. EAHS acknowledges both the Walrus magazine and the article’s author Derek Webster. For Sheila Fischman, translation represents …
How Quebec’s Greatest Authors Were Brought to English Canada Read More »
A Jewish Kid at Christmas
The following is a personal story by Sheila Fischman https://eahs.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Sheila-F.-My-Christmas-Story.pdf
A Story of Two WW1 Soldiers
The following article highlights the soon to be unveiled exhibit of two local WW1 soldiers, Martin James Flynn and Arthur Thomas Cooper.
Why Elgin Grew in the Second Half of the Nineteenth Century
Researched and written by Neil Patterson Note: To scroll through the various pages, click the arrow in the upper left corner of the page beside the page number
Annual Treasures and Books Sale
WE ARE BACK The Annual EAHS Treasures & Books Sale. Looking for that special dish, vintage material, Christmas decorations, children’ s game, or Keirstead prints? Drop by the Red Brick School on July 9 during Elgin Days. Look though a collection of vintage china and glass plates, vases, platters, check out the books, picture frames, …
Elgin Community Hall
Elgin Community Hall By Neil A. Patterson The sign above the second floor windows in 1924 said, “South Crosby Community Hall”. The South Crosby Municipal Records indeed show that it was the Township Council Building Committee that excepted and choose the bids as well as paying the bills for the construction. Reeve Richard Preston …
100th Anniversary of WW1
The One Hundredth Anniversary of the First World War Presentation In 1915 a sub-recruiting and training centre was developed in Elgin using the grounds at the now historic Elgin Red Brick School. The research, copy and brochure were produced by Neil Patterson for the Elgin and Area Heritage Society. Read the amazing account recorded in …