›› Eramosa S.S. #6

The first S.S. #6, also known as “ Lutterell School” opened in 1854 as a log schoolhouse a few yards from the brick building that followed. William Lutterell, after whom the school was named, was the first teacher, hired at £60 per year.

A quarter of an acre of land was purchased to build the new brick school, and tenders were let for its construction in November 1872. It was completed the next year and Mr. Lutterell continued as teacher for a total of 31 years1, until 1885.

Another long-standing teacher, Janet Mitchell, was engaged for S.S. #6 in 1896 and taught for 15 years. Annie Joliffe was engaged as music teacher in 1928, adding a new dimension for the students.

In June 1939, the school was given a holiday to go to Guelph to see the King and Queen, George VI and Elizabeth.

By March 1945 the installation of electricity was completed at a cost of $375, and a Spartan radio was donated by the Board. There were monthly showing of films by the National Film Board and the Federation of Agriculture which brightened not only the children’s lives but those of their families. The school was also used as a community centre for gatherings of Farm Forum, Junior Farmers, and the Women’s Institute.

The General Register notes that Lutterel taught for 21 years, but if he began in 1854 and continued until 1885, his career would have spanned 31 years. Photo courtesy of the Guelph-Eramosa Township Archives. For more information see Eramosa Anecdotes, by Deborah Quaile (Ayton: Wordbird Press, 2007).