The Story of the

Osgoode - Dalmeny School

1897 Schoolhouse

My home was built in 1897 and served as a one-room schoolhouse for Dalmeny, Ontario until 1967 when it was decommissioned. During this time, children of all ages from the surrounding area walked to the school to attend classes together.

Thanks to the Osgoode Township Museum & Historical Society I have early photographs relating to my schoolhouse. One is a picture of the south side of the building with the children posing for the camera and two other class photos. Through my association with the Museum I was also able to meet former students that attended classes in what is now my livingroom and kitchen. Hearing stories from near neighbours and siblings provided an amazing perspective on the contribution this little place made to the local community for seventy years. Sadly, there is little physical evidence left behind of all the children that learned and grew within these walls. Not even an amateur metal detectorist was able to uncover any trace on the property.

The school moved into private ownership and was converted into a home in 1967. My husband and I are only the third family to live here. My husband purchased the school in 1992 and I joined him in 1997.

The Story of the

Music Hall

formerly the

Dalmeny Baptist Church

a part of 1897 Schoolhouse

The church on the property immediately beside our schoolhouse had originally been built to replace the congregation's first log church that had become dilapidated, while a much larger church, to be known as the Osgoode Baptist Church in Vernon, Ontario, was being built. This meant the church next door was in use for a short period of time, eventually it became known locally and used as the Music Hall. It was used by the community for events, Christmas concerts and recitals. Many years after my husband moved into the schoolhouse and I later joined him, this church next door came up for sale. It was still owned by the Osgoode Baptist Church in Vernon, Ontario. They needed to raise funds to replace the roof on their still operating church. We gladly bought the building and property. Our schoolhouse and church are surrounded on all sides by farmer's fields and with our planting of many trees, hedges and gardens, it is now a haven for birds and animals. It is a joy to watch babies grow and explore the property with every passing year.