›› Eramosa S.S. #4

The S.S. #4 General Register from 1934 to 1946 didn’t know exactly where the original school was located or what type of structure it was, although one pioneer settler said it was a log building, built a little to the south of the 1861 stone structure.1

In 1883 a new pump was purchased for the school well, which was located between two small gates. Shade trees were planted by the pupils. As the community prospered, a modest wooden teacher’s house of 24 by 16 by 7 feet was erected in 1886.

In 1888 a meeting was called in Fergus to consider forming a Union School from parts of Eramosa and West Garafraxa. The two farms on lot 1, con. 1 and lot 1, con 2 of West Garafraxa were joined to S.S. #4. As a result of the formation of the new school section of S.S. #4½, a dispute arose between 4 and 4½ regarding claims by the new section, so in 1892 arbitrators “awarded the new section $440 as their share of the spoils.”

In 1897 the school was shingled and a belfry for the new bell was erected. The following year a 12 by 16 foot stable was added to the woodshed. The school grounds received a front wire fence and 50 shade trees in 1899.2

Through “The Men of the Trees,” in May 1937 the school received two Royal Oak acorns as a gift from His Majesty King George VI, which were gathered from Windsor Forest and planted as part of Coronation Day exercises.

 

›› Eramosa S.S. #4½

Since the Shiloh and Speedside schools were overcrowded, a new school had to be created. Generally children didn’t start school until they were about eight years of age and as a result many got little education, because as soon as boys especially were old enough they were kept home to work the farm.

A new stone school was built on the fourth concession of Eramosa. Unfortunately, after the masons had begun the walls rain collapsed the work and injured one worker, but even with the setback the building was completed in 1892.

An organ was purchased in January 1921 and replaced in 1932 with the funds from the Christmas Concert. Lightning rods were placed on the school in 1926, and about that time agriculture and household science courses began.

When the King and Queen visited Canada in 1939, a smart new flag-pole and a flag were purchased. The children were given bronze medallions to commemorate the visit. A piano was purchased in 1944 which added musical enjoyment at both school and community events.3

---

 

Eramosa S.S. #4, General Register 1934-1946. The Wellington County Atlas of 1877 lists the property owner as John Wood.

Eramosa S.S.#4, General Register 1934-1946.

Eramosa S.S. #4½ , General Register 1936-1945, 1947-1952.

Photos courtesy of the Guelph-Eramosa Township Archives. For more information see Eramosa Anecdotes, by Deborah Quaile (Ayton: Wordbird Press, 2007).