The first rural school, like the first homes built by settlers was made of log. These were small buildings that lacked natural light and ventilation and in some cases had only a dirt floor. As a community prospered and grew the log structures were replaced with wood plank or brick. The shiplap board and the polychromatic brick of later designs show a pride in the community and the importance of the school. No log schools survive in King Township but this example serves as a record of what children would have encountered before plank or brick buildings were erected.
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The log school, typical of the earliest schools in King Township circa 1840
Westfield Ontario
Credits: Shannon Kyles
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Description of early log schoolhouse 19th century
Westfield Ontario
Credits: Shannon Kyles
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Foundation of the log structure 1942
King Township
Credits: Tony Rolph
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These more contemporary photos illustrate the log building techniques utilized. This log building is situated in King.
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Forming the log structure 1942
King Township
Credits: Tony Rolph
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Jamieson School SS#6 1866- 1953 1866
King Township
Credits: King Township Museum
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Jamieson School SS#6. In 1866 the school was built on a one acre lot, part of the Jamieson Farm that was rented to the School Section. The original design had shiplap plank construction and a bell tower. The building was moved east of Hwy 400 in 1946 in advance of the new highway built dissecting the township from north to south. This school was closed in 1953 and the students relocated to the new Kettleby PS.
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Jamieson School SS#6 1866-1953. Subsequently converted to a residence 1988
King Township
Credits: King Township Library
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Kettleby School SS#11, 1827-1952. Subsequently converted to a residence. 2005
King Township
Credits: King Township Library
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Kettleby School SS#11. The first school in this community was built in 1827 across the road from the current school. In 1862 a new school was built on the current site for a cost of $900. In 1859 there were 128 students enrolled, average attendance on a given day was 39. The school closed in 1953 and is now a private residence.
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Crawford School SS#16, 1860-1966. circa 1890
Hammertown, King Township
Credits: King Township- Archives
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Crawford School SS#16. This school was built to serve the Hammertown community north west of Nobleton. The one acre lot was donated by William Crawford and the school named for him. A new school was built in 1926 which included a furnace in the basement and indoor washrooms. It was converted to a private residence.
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Glenville School SS#9, 1839-1953. circa 1881
King Township