Aldborough Township Public Schools - S.S. 14 - Heritage Collections Elgin-St. Thomas

Publication: Published to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter on January 5, 2022.

Series: St. Thomas Times-Journal fonds - Aldborough Township Public Schools file

History / Biographical: Before the formation of this school section in 1887 students from the area went to S.S. #12 (Argyle), S.S. #9 (Crinan) or S.S. #8 (Maple Grove). The organization of S.S. 14 from parts of the three school sections mentioned above was prompted by a petition from the residents of the area. A brick schoolhouse measuring 25' x 30' with three windows on each side was built on Lot 15, Concession 5 at a cost of $695. This school opened officially in January of 1889 with Miss Eliza MacDiarmid as the first teacher. In 1903 a cloak room was built and in 1925 an extra one-half acre of land was purchased at a price of $50. for use as a playground. In June of 1965 the school closed and the few who still attended S.S. #14 were transported to the new Aldborough Public School. S.S. #14 (Fern Dell) was named by Mrs. Wm. Haines for the abundance of ferns which grew in the area.; Information taken from Elgin County Schools, written by Jim Doelman and published in 1982.

Scope and Content: Black and white photograph used in St. Thomas Times-Journal article published February 1, 1964 with caption: " S.S. No. 14, Fern Dell."

Name Access: St. Thomas (Ont.); St. Thomas Times-Journal; Aldborough (Ont. : Township)

Website / Street View Notes: Link directs to a Facebook post featuring the image.