›› Eramosa S.S. #3

In 1840 a school had been built to serve about 50 local students on the west half of lot 17, con. 2. The school was so progressive that teaching certificates could be attained by attending extra years at S.S. #3 instead of going away to Normal School in another city.

In 1842 a frame schoolhouse was erected on the property of Mr. Hewitson, on the north corner of lot 26, con. 1. A brick schoolhouse began construction in 1871 and opened in 1872. Land at lot 20, con. 2 was purchased from John Johnson for $100 and was the reason for it becoming known as “Johnson’s school,” across the road from Johnson’s Cemetery.

Throughout the years, notable improvements were the two porches and partitions for the cloak rooms, a bell in 1909, and further partitions in 1911.

Christmas concerts were memorable evening events for entire families, but when the number of pupils attending the school declined they were held in the afternoon.

Information from Eramosa S.S. #3, General Registers, 1934-1945 & 1944-1953. Photo courtesy of the Guelph-Eramosa Township Archives. For more information see Eramosa Anecdotes, by Deborah Quaile (Ayton: Wordbird Press, 2007).