Chedoke-Cootes in Hamilton, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Woodstock Hall

Photographed by Tim Boyd, January 4, 2026

1. Woodstock Hall Marker

Inscription. This residence, opened in 1970, recalls Woodstock College, which became part of McMaster University when this institution was created in 1887.

Woodstock College dates from 1883, but its roots extend back to 1857 when its predecessor, the Canadian Literary Institute, was founded by Baptists in Woodstock, Canada West (as Ontario was then known). From 1887 to 1926, when it was closed, Woodstock College existed as a private school conducted by the University. The College was co-educational for several years and there- after a preparatory school for boys, the counterpart of Moulton College, the University's school for girls.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.

Location. 43° 15.957′ N, 79° 55.148′ W. Marker is in Hamilton, Ontario. It is in Chedoke-Cootes. It can be reached from Stern Drive. The marker is on the campus of McMaster University, accessible by foot approx. 60 metres from Stearn Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hamilton ON L8S 4E4, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker

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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 Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Brandon Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Hedden Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); McKay Hall (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Edwards Hall (about 240 meters away); Les Prince Hall (about 240 meters away); McMaster University 1887 (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Bates Residence (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Moulton Hall (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hamilton.

Also see . . . The Canadian Literary Institute.

During the 1850s, the expanding Baptist community of Upper Canada seriously discussed plans to set up a 'Canadian Christian
Photographed by Tim Boyd, January 4, 2026

2. Woodstock Hall Marker
Centre of photo, just below the white no parking sign
School of learning and culture' to train future Baptist pastors and others who wanted a good education in a Christian environment.

Woodstock offered a 6-acre site, donated by Archibald Burtch, deacon of the local Baptist Church, plus $16,000 pledged by Oxford residents towards school buildings and equipment. At the first subscribers' meeting, it was decided to name the future co-ed boarding school, the Canadian Literary Institute.

The cornerstone of the first new building was laid on June 23, 1857. Unfortunately, construction started during a recession and not all pledged money was available. Archibald Burtch again helped by mortgaging his house to raise building funds. The new principal, Dr Robert Fyfe, raised funds to complete the two-story dormitory and classroom building. The first term began September 12, 1860 with 79 students and five teachers

(Submitted on January 5, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)

ca 1908

3. Woodstock College (former Canadian Literary Institute), Woodstock, Ontario ca 1908

Public domain

Credits. This page was last revised on January 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 5, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 51 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 5, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.