Guelph in Wellington County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Site of the Gymnasium and Convocation Hall of the Ontario Agricultural College

Photographed by Tim Boyd, September 1, 2025

1. Site of the Gymnasium and Convocation Hall of the Ontario Agricultural College Marker

Inscription.
This cairn is erected on the site of the gymnasium and Convocation Hall of the Ontario Agricultural College, built in 1892

Although primarily a gymnasium "by a bit of interior decoration”, it could be transformed into ‘Convocation Hall’. Of white brick, it measured 50 by 108 feet. On the lower level there was a swimming pool 16 by 32 feet. At the east end of the upper level there was a stage which served for concerts, plays and a platform for speakers. The remainder of this level was used primarily as a games court and on occasion as an examination or exhibits hall.

In 1958 with the construction of the athletics centre the old building was used as an engineering annex until demolished in 1973.

A time capsule to be opened in 2074 has been housed in the foundation of this cairn by the students of O.A.C. In it are memorabilia describing campus life and activities during the O.A.C. centennial year, 1974.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Time Capsules series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.

Location. 43° 31.941′ N,

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80° 13.639′ W. Marker is in Guelph, Ontario, in Wellington County. It can be reached from Winegard Walk. The marker is on the campus of the University of Guelph on McKinnon Green, accessible by foot on Winegard Walk, approx. 280 metres from College Avenue east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 87 Winegard Walk, Guelph ON N1G 1Y4, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Huron-Perth-Waterloo-Wellington Area

and in Southwestern Ontario.

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: Winegard Walk (within shouting distance of this marker); MacKinnon Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fire Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); William Henry Day 1870-1938 (within shouting distance of this marker); Massey Hall

Photographed by Tim Boyd, September 1, 2025

2. Site of the Gymnasium and Convocation Hall of the Ontario Agricultural College Marker

(about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Massey Hall (about 120 meters away); George E. Raithby 1901-1981 (about 120 meters away); Royal Canadian Air Force No. 4 Wireless School (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Guelph.

Gymnasium and Convocation Hall building, ca 1910 image. Click for full size.

circa 1910

3. Gymnasium and Convocation Hall building, ca 1910

Source: Wellington County Archives

MacKinnon Green (marker is indicated with an arrow) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, September 1, 2025

4. MacKinnon Green (marker is indicated with an arrow)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 102 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 6, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.