James Bay in Victoria in Capital, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast (North America)
St. Ann’s Schoolhouse
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011
1. St. Ann’s Schoolhouse Marker
Inscription.
St. Ann’s Schoolhouse. . This log cabin is one of the oldest buildings in western Canada. It was built in the French-Canadian fur trade post and sill style between 1843 and 1852. Bishop Modeste Demers purchased it from carpenter Leon Morel in 1855 and transferred it to the Sisters of St. Ann to use as a schoolhouse. The Sisters arrived in June 5, 1858, living and teaching the children of colonial Victoria in this school which was their first convent.
The first 12 students included Morel’s young daughter, Emilie, the Helmcken daughters and those of Governor James Douglas. First Nation students and Kanaka Islanders also attended classes here.
The schoolhouse was originally located on the grounds of what became St. Ann’s Academy. In 1974 it was moved to this location. This historic building celebrated its 150th anniversary of education in 2008.
[Photo caption] , Actors portray the arrival of the Sisters of St. Ann, June 5 1858 on its 150th anniversary. RBCM Human History, IMG_5242.
This log cabin is one of the oldest buildings in western Canada. It was built in the French-Canadian fur trade post and sill style between 1843 and 1852.
Bishop Modeste Demers purchased it from carpenter Leon Morel in 1855 and transferred it to the Sisters of St. Ann to use as a schoolhouse. The Sisters arrived in June 5, 1858, living and teaching the children of colonial Victoria in this school which was their first convent.
The first 12 students included Morel’s young daughter, Emilie, the Helmcken daughters and those of Governor James Douglas. First Nation students and Kanaka Islanders also attended classes here.
The schoolhouse was originally located on the grounds of what became St. Ann’s Academy. In 1974 it was moved to this location. This historic building celebrated its 150th anniversary of education in 2008.
[Photo caption]
Actors portray the arrival of the Sisters of St. Ann, June 5 1858 on its 150th anniversary. RBCM Human History, IMG_5242.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1975.
Location. 48° 25.164′ N, 123° 22.014′ W. Marker is in Victoria, British Columbia, in Capital. It is in James Bay. Marker is at the intersection of Douglas Street and Belleville Street on Douglas Street. St. Ann's
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Schoolhouse is located in Thunderbird Park, near the Royal British Columbia Museum. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Victoria BC V8V 2P8, Canada. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011
2. St. Ann’s Schoolhouse
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 758 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 26, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
