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.
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.