HERITAGE
GUELPH/ERAMOSA TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY GUIDE
36
exploring
Then and Now
Can you imagine a time when school wasn’t
compulsory, and education was regarded as being
secondary to lending a hand on the farm? Imagine
attending a school with no electricity or plumbing,
where drinking water had to be brought from
a neighbouring farm. Imagine school in the
winter, where the heat of a lone wood stove
kept everyone warm, and the washroom facilities
consisted of an outhouse on the other side of
the schoolyard! What would it be like to have
classmates of all ages, all taught by the same
teacher? This is not at all what we picture when
we think of our modern school experience, but
this was absolutely the reality of the rural pioneer
education system - the one room schoolhouse.
Interested to find out more about this fascinating time in our history? You’re in luck! In 2021 during
the Covid-19 pandemic, a group of mainly former students wrote a book about Guelph Township’s one
room schools of the past. This 180 page book dedicates a chapter to the history of each of the schools
as well as some information on early education, principals, school fairs and reunions. The book includes
many class photos with pupil and teacher names, colour photos of each of the schools with exact
locations and an invitation for readers to take a self-driving tour and see the schools.
These Guelph Township Public Schools have a fascinating history. The majority of them are located
in country settings and were built between 1864 and 1891. It was a special time in the history of
education when one teacher effectively taught 8 grades in a one room setting, older children helped
younger children with their lessons and rural communities experienced happy times which developed
into warm and lasting memories. These close bonds led to several successful reunions and this book
entitled, “The Nine Public Schools of Guelph Township”, was inspired by Marion Campbell from whose
archival material much of the history derived. Several of Marion’s sketches appear in the book along
with personal stories which enrich the content.
Those interested in acquiring a book can e-transfer
payment to Anne Grinwis at
or call
Anne at (519) 822-2789. Cheques may also be sent to
her at 6 Ryan Avenue, Guelph, ON N1E 2G5, payable to
GUELPH TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS.
Price is $25 for local pick up in Guelph area or $45 to
include mailing costs.
