Strathcona in Hamilton, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Hamilton Normal School
September 5, 2024
1. Hamilton Normal School Marker
Quick Facts: Italian Renaissance style, Constructed 1908, Destroyed by fire 1953
The Hamilton Normal School was one of four identical Italian Renaissance buildings constructed in 1908 by the Province of Ontario. Opened at the southwest corner of Sophia (Strathcona Avenue 1917)and Lamoreaux Streets on March 19, 1909, the Hamilton Normal School trained elementary school teachers and became a fixture in the West End for nearly 45 years. It established a unique partnership with its neighbour the Sophia Street School which was renamed Strathcona in April of 1909.
- Strathcona pupils were instructed in Domestic Science and Manual Training.
- The Normal School was destroyed by fire in the early hours of New Year's Eve day, 1953.
Following the fire, school staff and students relocated to local churches (St. George's Zion and Erskine), until the new Hamilton Teachers College opened on the McMaster campus in 1957.
Erected 2019 by City of Hamilton.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical date for this entry is December 31, 1953.
Location. 43° 15.788′ N, 79° 53.048′ W. Marker is in Hamilton, Ontario. It is in Strathcona. It can be reached from Strathcona Avenue North, on the left
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe, in the Hamilton-Halton-Brant Area, and specifically in the Toronto Metropolitan Area. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Strathcona School (within shouting distance of this marker); Strathcona Avenue Fire Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Crystal Palace and Grounds (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Zion United Church (about 120 meters away); St. Georges Anglican Church (about 120 meters away); Hand Fireworks (about 120 meters away); Early West End Hotels (about 150 meters away); Iroquois Sand and Gravel Bar (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hamilton.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
September 5, 2024
2. Hamilton Normal School Marker
Photographed by Tim Boyd, July 23, 2024
3. Hamilton Normal School Marker
September 5, 2024
4. Location of School in 2024
The school replaced by apartments in modern day.
September 5, 2024
5. Hamilton Normal School Marker detail
The building's dome, columns and arched windows typify the Italian Renaissance style of architecture.
September 5, 2024
6. Hamilton Normal School Marker detail
Strathcona School was known as the Model School, due to its role as the practice-teaching facility for the Normal School.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2024. This page has been viewed 775 times since then and 91 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 6, 2024. 3. submitted on October 2, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 6, 2024. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
