Holmdale-Landsdowne in Brantford in Brant County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Ontario School for the Blind
Photographed By Tim Boyd, August 8, 2023
1. The Ontario School for the Blind Marker
In 1869, on the recommendation of the Rev. Egerton Ryerson, Superintendent of Education, funds were allocated to establish the first provincial school for blind children. The Ontario Institution for the Education of the Blind, which included the nearby gate keeper's lodge, opened on May 1, 1872, with eleven students. Under its first Principal, Dr. E. S. Wiggins, the residential institution combined elementary school subjects with manual and vocational training, and soon gained recognition for its contribution to the theory and practice of educating the blind. By 1881 enrolment had risen to 201. Renamed the Ontario School for the Blind in 1913, it later introduced secondary school courses and in 1974 became The W. Ross Macdonald School in honour of Ontario's Lieutenant Governor.
Erected by the Ontario Heritage Foundation, Ministry of Culture and Recreation
Erected by Ontario Heritage Foundation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Foundation series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 1, 1872.
Location. 43° 8.915′ N, 80° 16.804′ W. Marker is in Brantford, Ontario, in Brant County. It is in Holmdale-Landsdowne.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lawren Harris (1885-1970) (approx. 1.1 kilometers away); Sara Jeannette Duncan 1861-1922 (approx. 1.2 kilometers away); Sara Jeannette Duncan (approx. 1.2 kilometers away); The Cenotaph (approx. 1.3 kilometers away); Walter Allward (approx. 1.3 kilometers away); Bell Telephone Memorial (approx. 1.3 kilometers away); Polish World War II Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.3 kilometers away); The Original Six Nations Land Grant (approx. 1.6 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brantford.
Also see . . . The Brantford Expositor - WRMS Celebrates 150 Years. An article on the W. Ross Macdonald School’s (former Ontario School for the Blind) 150th anniversary in 2022. (Submitted on August 8, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)
Photographed By Tim Boyd, August 8, 2023
2. The Ontario School for the Blind Marker (Braille text)
Photographed By Tim Boyd, August 8, 2023
3. The Ontario School for the Blind Marker
Photographed By Tim Boyd, August 8, 2023
4. The Ontario School for the Blind Marker
Photographed By Tim Boyd, August 8, 2023
5. The W. Ross Macdonald School (formerly the Ontario school for the Blind), 2023
October 4, 2021
6. The Ontario School for the Blind, original building, ca 1872
Credits. This page was last revised on November 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 79 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 8, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
