09/04/2026
The original 1850 Williamsville School was built on the intersection of Durham and Victoria Streets, in a Williamsville subdivision, established by John Counter Esquire and Henry Gildersleeve Esquire. The city took an interest in the schoolhouse, as they had been looking for a building to serve the children of Williamsville. When the original school opened, there were 55 students enrolled, with Mr. Dugsdale as the teacher. The Board sought out for a site for a new Williamsville school in 1874, and purchased a lot on the South-West corner of Nelson and Princess Street . The new school opened in the fall of 1875, with an addition to the school arriving in 1888. There was a playing yard on the south side of the building. Grade 1 & 2 classes took place on the upper floor of the building, with grade 3 & 4 classes taking place in the lower floor. Older students were attending classes at Macdonald, Louise, or Victoria Schools. In 1900, the school was renamed Rideau and it operated under this name until the opening of Rideau Public School in 1926. The building was sold to Crescent and Iron Works and was eventually destroyed in a fire sometime between 1931-1932.
