A historical walking tour of Stroud with Sunnybrae School
by Michelle Minnoch

Mr. Johnson’s and Ms. Money’s class from Sunnybrae School participated in a historical walking tour of Stroud on Monday, with Historical Society President Donna Wice leading the way.

The tour started from Sunnybrae, heading east towards an open patch of land on the south side of Sunnybrae Avenue, just before hitting Yonge Street. Wice informed the students that they were standing on the site of the former arena in Stroud.

Wice explained that there was a platform set up in the arena for a band to play while people were skating.

“On opening night, so many people showed up, there was not enough room for people to go skating,” Wice said of the arena.

The next stop was at Stroud Presbyterian Church. This reporter had never been in that particular church and the interior is stunning. At the church, Mrs. Miller was there to answer students questions and tell them

about how it was built, and the about the furnishings inside the building. The students were excited to venture to the balcony of the church and were inquisitive about the various doors at the front of the church, how the lights were changed as they were so high up, and the type of wood in the church (it’s ash).

At the south east corner of Yonge and Victoria Street, Wice explained the history behind the bell on the corner, something many students probably pass all of the time, but never really looked at. The bell is the original bell from the former school, S.S, Number 10. The two story school house was used from 1926 - 1975, and the structure was admired by all, as it was a two story “modern” building in those days.

At the Stroud Medical Centre, students were informed that the building was Chantler’s Store, built in the 1800’s. Selling everything from shoes, to groceries to spools of thread, the store had a gas pump fastened in front to keep up with the times.

After visiting the oldest house in Stroud, located opposite the Chamber office and beside Homelife, the children were given a chance to look at some of the old grave stones in St. James Cemetery. Some of

the students recognized the names of those buried, and Donna Wice answered all of their insightful questions.

At St. James United Church, after a brief break for refreshments, Wice gave the students a power point presentation regarding the history of Stroud. Again, students were not shy about asking questions and Donna Wice was only happy to oblige.

Thanks to Sunnybrae School and Donna Wice for letting me tag along on the class trip.

I bet the students, who learn everything from math to history to geography every day, did not realize some of the history of their community was just steps away.