Summary

Bruce's School was named for James Bruce, a graduate of Dublin University who taught in the County of Brant for ten years. The first schoolhouse was a log cabin on Concession 5 near the Beverly Township line, in David Cope's field about three quarters of a mile east of the school's current location.

A second log school was built on the modern location, then replaced with a white brick structure, and finally the new red brick building in 1909.² It remained open until 1961 when it closed due to the movement to centralize public education. The students were bused to Glen Morris and German's Schools.¹

Timeline

1885 – Inspectors Report

“No. 13 (Bruce School), brick house, extensive grounds, trees, furniture good, has library and is, otherwise, fairly equipped. Management now satisfactory.” ¹

1909 – Red Brick School Built

1923 – Distinguished Visitors

Governor General Lord Byng of Vimy, Lieutenant Governor Cockshutt, and the Honourable H.C. Nixon visited Bruce School. ¹

1961 – School Closed

A reunion was held on July 8 to commemorate the closing of the school. The school and land were sold to Mr. Weber of Brantford for $1500. ¹

Architectural Features

Bruce’s School is a single detached rectangular building with a centre gable hipped roof. The exterior of the building consists of stretcher bond brick walls and a foundation consisting of coursed cut stone with a natural finish. Upper windows are double hung with 2 sash and transom divisions while the lower windows are double hung with 2 sash divisions. Arches with radiating voussoirs are above the windows while the arch above the main door located in the centre of the main facade also features a keystone.

Notes

1. Webster, J.C. Rural Schools of South Dumfries Township. Ayr News Ltd, 1992.
2. St George Women's Institute. St. George Woman's Institute Tweedsmuir Histories, Volume 2. St. George Woman's Institute, Retrieved 2015.

References

• St George Women's Institute. St. George Woman's Institute Tweedsmuir Histories, Volume 2. St. George Woman's Institute, Retrieved 2015.
• Webster, J.C. Rural Schools of South Dumfries Township. Ayr News Ltd, 1992.

• St. George
  Ontario, Canada
  

  Latitude: 43.2501 Longitude: -80.24966