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2/ September 2023 The South Marysburgh Mirror School Days, School Days, Good Old Golden Rule Days Some Will Remember Starting School Each September at S. S. #12 on Miulford’s Bond Road Milford’s Bond Road has a little known historical gem tucked into the ma- ture trees on the west side, roughly a half mile from the County Road 10 curve through the village. It’s a building that, as September marks the traditional start of school, once might have heard the ring of children’s voices singing School days, school days Dear old Golden Rule days ‘Reading and ‘riting and ‘rithmetic’ Taught to the tune of the hick’ry stick * The private home, now owned by the Fralick fami- ly, was once a school house. Not just any school house but the one that has stood there since 1879. A member of the family found a history of the school property and build- ing which describes the years of service. Many long time, ‘more mature’ mem- bers of our community may have started school there. Following is a transcript, as originally written, of the history. Site of the first school in Milford and the actual second school built in 1879. The last classes were held in this school in 1960 before the new South Marysburgh Central School on County Road 10 opened. The school building was later renovated as a family home now owned by the Fralick family. —Mirror Photo History of S. S. #12 Milford From Essay “The Milford Schoolhouse S. S. #12 By Karen Ralley The first South Marysburgh school of Milford was built around 1877 on % acres of land, part of which was formerly owned by James Clapp. The deal was closed with this document when the land change over was registered as # 769, B. S. (bargain of sale, grant) in the year 1876. “I trusteth that in considera- tion of the sum of one hundred dollars of lawful money of Canada now paid by the said school trus- tees to the said party of the first part, (the receipt whereof is here- by by him acknowledged), he, the said party of the first part doth grant, sell and convey unto the said public school trustees of said school sec- tion aforesaid their succes- sors and assigns forever.” Quote — document of registry office # 769. The bulk of land was de- scribed as “Lot #27, on the north side of public highway between concession #1 south of Black River on line be- tween lot #27 and # 26...” Quote — document of registry office # 769. Two years later, 1879, the original building was burned down and replaced by the present schoolhouse, S. S. # 12, shortly after. Reason for the fire is not known, but the suspicion of arson seems to have been widely entertained. Originally the inside of the schoolhouse was divided into two rooms. That is the reason for the two front doors (33” wide) going into the porch. The porch was used for stamp- ing snow off boots and clothes in winter, and mud in spring, before entering the classroom. At this time, classes went up (Continued on page 9) The South Marine Muror September 2023 Published monthly by Barbara McConnell, 41 St. eerie Sineet, PO Bos We stilterd, ON KOK 2P0 T: 613.471.1816 E: themirror@kos.net ISSN Number 1181-6333 (Print Edition) ISSN Number 2292-5708 (Online Edition) The South Marysburgh Mirror gratefully acknowledges the support of the South Marysburgh Recreation Committee and St. Philip’s Church