Beamsville in Lincoln in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Early Education In Beamsville

Photographed by Kevin Westell, July 11, 2025

1. Early Education In Beamsville - Marker

Inscription. In the mid-to-late 1800's, this site looked very different. James Henry, a prominent merchant in the village, had built a very spacious and opulent home for his wife. It had large rooms on two levels, at least three fireplaces, fine decorative brick work, extensive fretwork and a cupola. It was quite spectacular for the time. Unfortunately, James' wife died before they could move in. Thereafter, the building was referred to as "Henry's Folly".

In 1859, the building was purchased for $5,000 and became the Common School or Elementary School for Beamsville.

By 1888, there was enough of an increase in students wanting to attend higher education, or "Grammar School", that Beamsville High School was built at a cost of $10,000. It consisted of two rooms, staffed by a principal and an assistant who taught 25 students, Eventually, the two buildings were demolished and in 1957, Jacob Beam Public School was built.

Erected by Heritage Lincoln.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.

Location. 43° 9.936′ N, 79° 28.742′ W. Marker is in Lincoln, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It is in Beamsville. It is on William Street, on the right when traveling south.

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Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4300 William Street, Lincoln ON L0R 1B0, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe

and in Niagara Canada.

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 Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hamilton, Grimsby & Beamsville Electric Railway Company (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Beam-Barnes House circa 1855 (about 120 meters away); The Howard House 1847 (about 210 meters away); Alanson Harris - Foundry Site (about 210 meters away); George Herbert Locke (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Jacob Beam Mill Stone (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Clinton Township Hall 1851 (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Vosburgh Blacksmith Shop 1866 (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lincoln.

Early Education In Beamsville - Marker in context image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Westell, July 11, 2025

2. Early Education In Beamsville - Marker in context

Marker is adjacent to the road's sidewalk, and adjacent to the walkway to the school's main entrance.

Old school bell image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Westell, July 11, 2025

3. Old school bell

This bell on an angled stone cairn is near the north-east corner of the current school, and visible from the road. Presumably it is a relic from one of the schools discussed in the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. This page has been viewed 87 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 13, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.