Click on the links in the left column for
more information on individual schools.
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Parks |
County Road 9, North Shore of Hay Bay |
Now a private residence. |
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Bethany/Woodcock |
County Road 9 (River Road), at the west end of North Fred. |
Building no longer standing. |
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Gretna |
County Road 9 (River Road), just east of
Hambly Road. |
Now a private residence. |
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Big Creek (aka Chambers) |
Big Creek Road, just west of Chambers
Road. |
Now a private residence. |
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Fairview |
County Road 2 Two miles east of Napanee. |
Now a
private residence (?) |
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Jubilee |
County Road 9 (River Road) Just west of Napanee. |
Now privately owned |
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Golf Course |
Just south of the Napanee Golf Course. |
Privately owned |
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Palace Road |
Palace Road and County Road 18 |
Building no longer standing. |
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Sand Hill (aka Barnhart, Hay Bay) |
County Road 9, just west of Cuthill’s Lane |
Now a private residence. |
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Little Creek |
Little Creek Road West of County Road 8 |
Now a private residence. |
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Early Records from Fredericksburgh Township Up to 1857 It was not until 1857 that Fredericksburgh Township,
or Third Town, was split into two separate townships; North Fredericksburgh
and South Fredericksburgh. This section includes information for the period up
to 1857 (before the split.) |
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It has been recorded that a Mr. Jonathan Clarke taught a school in
Fredericksburgh in 1786, but stayed in the area for only two years. This
school may have been located on the south shore of the Napanee River, in an
area later known as “Clarkesville.” If so, it would be one of the earliest
schools opened in Ontario. There are also reports of a school on Hay Bay, run by a Mr. McDougall.
If so, this could have been in either Fredericksburgh or Adolphustown. Schools Established
in Fredericksburgh Before 1816 -6 1817 -2 1818 -2 1819 -1 1820 -1 1822 -1 1824 -1 1825 -1 1830 -1 1831 -1 1837 -1 1841 -1 1845 -1 1822 William Campbell began teaching in Fredericksburgh in 1822 [exact school section unknown] Teacher: William Campbell, W. Methodist, b. Ireland, Residence
Marysburgh, discontinued teaching due to age & Infirmity, age 71 in 1856. Taught in U.C. 30 years.
Commenced in Ireland in 1809 and in Fredericksburgh U.C. in 1822. Taught 30 years and ceased 1856. Superannuated Common School Teacher in
Upper Canada for 1855 1830 Walter Hick began teaching in Fredericksburgh in 1830 [exact school
section unknown] Teacher: Walter
Hick, Church of England, b. England, Residence Richmond, discontinued teaching due to age & blindness,
age 68 in 1856. Commenced in Fredericksburgh in 1830 and taught in
U.C. ever since. Superannuated Common School Teacher in
Upper Canada for 1855 1842 Report of the Standing Committee on Common Schools,
Adopted by the District Council of the Midland District, at the May Session,
1842: That the report and estimates of erecting certain
school houses in Fredericksburgh, be accepted and we recommend that the
following sums be assessed on the
respective inhabitants accordingly, subject to the conditions mentioned in
clause No. 19 of this report: _ School District No. 1 £10; No. 2 £7; No. 6,
£50; No. 8, £47 10; No. 9 £50; No. 10, £50; No. 12, £42 10; No. 13. £50; No.
15, £45. Upper Canada Herald July 26 1842 1844 Reminiscences of W.R. Bigg “My next certificate in 1844 was from the School
Superintendent of the ‘Midland District’ and covered his ‘School Circuit’ and
was obtained without any examination whatever. I was teaching in
Fredericksburgh, without any license beyond the request of the Trustees to
await the advent of the School Superintendent, who was shortly expected and
then he could examine me. After visiting my School and inspecting the state
of the different classes, the Superintendent decided that it was unnecessary
to examine me, remarking that the status of the pupils, coupled with the very
favorable report which he had received from the Trustees, was sufficient
evidence of my qualification and he handed me the usual legal certificate. 1850 Report of the Minister of Education In Fredericksburgh, there are 16 schoolhouses; 14
frame and two log. 4 – 18 x 24; 2 – 18 x 26;
1- 20 x 20; 2 – 20 x 22; 1 – 24 x 24; 1 – 24 x 26; 4 - 24 x 30. 7 in good repair; 9 in bad repair. 6 suitably furnished with desks etc. 1 furnished with privies 1 erected during the year Number of large maps hung up – 19 Number in which blackboards are used – 13 Number of children between the ages of 5 & 16 – 1,003 Number of children of all ages on the roll – 691 Number of Indigent or non-paying pupils – 48 Total Number of Pupils – 691 (367 boys, 324 girls) Average Attendance in Winter – 387 Pupils (Boys – 207 Girls – 180) Average Attendance in Summer - 423 Pupils (Boys – 259 Girls – 164) Teachers - 21 Total – (13 Male, 8 Female) 2 Male, 2 Female
trained at Normal School 1850 Fredericksburgh Report Edwin Mallory, Esq., Fredericksburgh: “The School Act of 1849 having been found so
complicated and inoperative, several of the schools were closed and the
people became almost indifferent to education; but I am happy to add that the
new School Law has given a fresh impetus to the people of this locality and
some of the sections have already availed themselves of the noble provision
made therein for establishing Free Schools.
May the friends of literature and education never rest satisfied until
Free Schools are established throughout the length and breadth of Canada.” 1852 Fredericksburgh
Report The Reverend John G. Bull, Fredericksburgh: “I am happy to have it to state that the schools in this township are
somewhat improved. There seems to be something of a spirit manifested on the
subject of education. Our schools have all been in operation some part of the
year; but our school system, notwithstanding the improvements that have been
made for the last few years is not complete, nor will be so until we have
free schools. We must have them before we shall be able to accomplish the end
contemplated. There are persons who will oppose every
thing not in accordance with their own sentiments, regardless of
consequences; and hence the present system leaves room for much contention in
various sections on the subject of taxation. Let the government tax and all
will be right. I hope our present House of Assembly will take the subject
into consideration and give us free schools. I think the country is prepared
to receive and profit by them.” Reports of the Local
Superintendents in Upper Canada, Legislative Assembly 1853+ James Forrest [Documentary History of
Education in Upper Canada] "The first school, in which I taught was in
the Township of North Fredericksburgh, County of Lennox. The building was of
hewed pine logs, very well put together and plastered with mortar, so that it
was very warm and comfortable. It was heated by a large box stove, and
ventilated by means of sliding windows. The desks for writing were fastened along two
walls of the school room, and benches were used for the children to sit on.
As a rule they were very uncomfortable, as the elbows of the children were
nearly as high as their shoulders. There were no maps and not even a blackboard until
I had been there nearly a month, when the addition of one seemed to put new
life into the school, and I never had a better lot of pupils during all my
teaching. The people were poor, but very kind, and for salary I received nine
dollars a month and my board.” My second school, in South Fredericksburgh, was a frame
building, 24 x 30 feet, with seats and desks as just described, but not quite
so rough made. There was a small blackboard and a few maps. My wages were
thirteen dollars a month and my board. The parents of the pupils were very
kind to me. My next school was about two miles east of the former one, and
was a frame building of the old style, which, however, was replaced in 1866,
by a very fine building, fitted up with modern seats and desks for two, a
chair for the teacher, a blackboard, clock and maps. In the old school my
wages were fourteen dollars per month, and board, as in the other schools;
but after the new school house was built, I received three hundred dollars a
year and boarded myself. This was after I returned from the Normal School in
Toronto. At the end of my term in the new school house, three of my
pupils attended the County Board at Newburgh, and each obtained a
Certificate, a Third, a Second and a First. Again I taught in the Township of South Fredericksburgh, in a
frame building about 24 x 36 feet, which was finished in good style and
ventilated by a pipe running from the outside, under the floor to the centre
just under the stove, and on which was placed a ventilator. It was furnished with maps, a revolving globe, with the
principal stars revolving around it. I was paid a salary of three hundred
dollars a year. My next school was in the same township as the last, and it was
known as the worst school in the township. It was an old fashioned school
like those already described, and the salary was also the same. The pupils
were, however, quick to learn after I got them tamed and in working order. Recorded at Mount Albert March 6th,
1896 1853 Fredericksburgh
Report The Reverend John A.
Mulock, Fredericksburgh: “I feel great pleasure in stating that the interest manifested in
education is on the increase in this township. The people are beginning to
wake up. Much, however, remains to be done, before it will compare favorably
with many other townships.” Reports of the Local
Superintendents in Upper Canada, Legislative Assembly 1854 Fredericksburgh
Report The Reverend John A.
Mulock, Fredericksburgh: “I regret to say that the interest felt on the subject of education in
this township, is decidedly on the wane; and until the penalties imposed upon
worthless trustees are made heavier than at present, the interests of
education will languish. The mere loss of the amounts of legislative grant
and municipal assessment (if required) of the trustees is disregarded; they pay
it cheerfully and pocket money by their neglect, as their taxes for a school,
in many cases, far exceed the amount that can be levied off them, if they
close the school against the section. I rejoice to hear that measures are
about to be adopted to require, as far as possible, parents and guardians to
send their children to school. This is a move in the right direction and will
be a blessed boon to the rising generation; but I would, with all deference,
suggest that the trustees be first compelled to keep the schools open for at
least nine months in the year and that should they fail to do so they be
fined much more heavily than at present.” Reports of the Local
Superintendents in Upper Canada, Legislative Assembly 1855 Annual Report
of Common Schools in Upper Canada In Fredericksburgh, there are 19 schoolhouses; 1
brick, 15 frame, 3 log Number of children between the ages of 5 & 16 – 883. Number of children attending school – 737. Pupils of other ages – 76. Total number of children in school – 813 (448 boys,
365 girls). Indigent Children – 16. Number of Deaf and Dumb – 1. Number of Blind – 1. 11 Schools have maps. 19 Schools have blackboards. Teachers - 19 Total – (14 Male, 5 Female) Percent of population unable to read or write – 22. 1856 Fredericksburgh
Report The Reverend John A.
Mulock, Fredericksburgh: “Education, I am happy to say, is making good progress in this
township, as may be seen from the improved salaries of the teachers and the
total absence of 3rd class certificates. It is to be regretted
however that in the majority of our school the voice of Prayer is never
heard; the new regulation being in a great measure a dead letter. The desire
for free schools is on the increase, which I conceive to be the strongest
proof of progression in the right direction; and our old unsightly and
unhealthy houses are giving place to good, creditable and well ventilated
buildings.” Reports of the Local
Superintendents in Upper Canada, Legislative Assembly
Ad from January
24 1856 School Section
not confirmed 1857 Local School
Superintendent The Rev. Robert Harding was appointed Local Superintendent of Schools
for Fredericksburgh, in place of the Rev. Mr. Mulock, resigned. December 12 1857,
Daily British Whig |
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Early Records
from North Fredericksburgh Township After 1858 1858 The
Reverend John Scott, Fredericksburgh North: “Before Fredericksburgh was
divided into two Townships, the people were favoured with a valuable Library.
At present a division has not been made of the books. The books were
carefully covered and are now, I believe, in a good state of preservation.
There is a great want of desire for self-improvement in the majority of the
people. The pamphlet on School Architecture and the Annual Report were duly
distributed, but I cannot as yet say much about their effects. The result
will be seen when the old box school houses give place to more rational
buildings. May the lungs of the children and the eyes of their parents soon
enjoy the benefit of a change. We have a few school-houses that show a
decided improvement on the old system. Doleful accounts come to me from the
Trustees in the Hay Bay section of this Township about the state of things in
their locality. They are sometimes at their wits’ end to know how to get the
children into the school house and how to keep them there. The chance of
getting a duck, a fish, or a red squirrel, is quite sufficient inducement to
keep the boys away from Geography and Grammar and a rate of twenty-five cents
will keep a whole family away a quarter of a year. Under these circumstances
a uniform system of Free Schools is earnestly recommended. It would prevent a
great deal of noisy altercation at school meetings and would be a great boon to
the people. I am sorry that the Bible does not occupy a more prominent place
in the training of our youth. In some places it is ignored and in others
barely tolerated. This I presume is not what you desire. The sin of ignoring
and neglecting God’s Holy word lies often at the door of the Teacher, the
Trustees and the people. May the time soon come when the influence of the
word of life will be felt in all our seminaries. Reports of the
Local Superintendents in Upper Canada 1859, Legislative Assembly 1875 Report on Lennox and Addington Schools by
Frederick Burrows Esq. In North
Fredericksburgh three new brick schools were built between 1871 and 1874. Napanee Beaver Feb 2 1966 Langford opened in
January 1966. "The board closed
the nine one-room schools at Bethany, Big Creek, Little Creek, Fairview,
Gretna, Brickyard (Jubilee), Palace Rd., Sand Hill and Hay Bay. There will be
eight grades in the new school with about 30 pupils to each room. In
addition, another 105 North Fredericksburgh pupils will attend the four-room
school at the Golf Course School." |
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Location
of North Fredericksburgh Schools as indicated on the 1860 Wallings’
Map A school is marked at the bottom
of the map on Lot 1 Concession 3. This building has not been confirmed, but
is possibly an earlier location of the Sand Hill School, S.S. #19. Deeds from 1853 and 1862 between Milo York[sic]
and Benjamin Seymour regarding Fredericksburgh, E ½, Lot 1, Concession 3
include; “….excepting two acres of said lot previously
conveyed to John Wesley McCabe and also the Burial Ground and school house
situated upon said lot,” which would put the school
site near the McCabe Cemetery on County Road 9. A later transfer from Milo Parks to James C.
Parks dated April 9 1867, includes: “Excepting therefrom two acres of said parcel a tract of land
previously conveyed to John Wesley McCabe, also a small portion of said lot now used as a Burial Ground upon which is
situated a school house.” |
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Location
of North Fredericksburgh Schools as indicated on Meacham’s 1878 Atlas |
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October 3, 1914 Kingston Whig
Standard |
February 4, 1936
Kingston Whig
Standard |
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February 17 1966 Kingston Whig Standard |
September 6, 1968 Kingston Whig Standard |
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March 21 1966 Kingston Whig Standard |
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