Heritage Colchester continues to raise funds for schoolhouse restoration

Monica Carruthers (left) and Kathy Whitley at a 3-in-1 desk at the recent outdoor vendors market at the historic Colchester Schoolhouse.

“How can we make this unique.”

That is the question that the president of Heritage Colchester, Martha Carruthers continues to ask when it comes to the restoration of one of the village’s gems, the Colchester Schoolhouse.

Built in 1881 as S.S. #2, the historic brick building, nestled quaintly on a side street in the village continues to draw visitors.

Heritage Colchester hosted an outdoor vendors’ market Aug. 15 that drew lots of visitors and over 30 vendors. Two previous events had been cancelled due to weather. 

The next one is scheduled for Sept. 19.

While visitors checked out what was for sale, the curiosity continues to lead them inside to the school.

Other Heritage Colchester volunteers helped answer the public’s questions.

On display at a slightly raised platform where the teacher of the day  back in 1881  would have sat, is an interesting 3-in-1 desk that is known as a library table because it has two contained shelves at each end where students would have came up and gotten books.

“It was donated  by the Tofflemire family from Colchester. The grandfather and father were caretakers of the church and the school in the early 1900’s,” explained Carruthers.

There is a lot of history in S.S #2, and the local historic group continues to figure out just what the building could be used for in the future. The more community input they can receive, the better.

“We don’t want it to become a museum,” said Carruthers.

A couple of additions were put on in the 1950’s but that portion of the schoolhouse has long been removed. Heritage Colchester has hired a heritage architect from Toronto who is looking at how the school can not only be preserved but add a little something else to attract visitors.

“We need construction drawings. He is going to give us two visions both which will have it restored to a certain time and the 1950’s piece,” said Heritage Colchester member Kathy Whitley.

Whitley added that they would like to see a modern kitchen, and washroom facilities as well as a meeting area.

The local group (which started back five years ago) leases the school and property from the Town of Essex. 

Anyone wishing more information can visit the webpage at heritagecolchester.org or call 519-980-7872.

Heritage Colchester continues to raise funds for schoolhouse restoration

By Fred Groves