Brocksden School, Stratford Normal School featured in new historical documentary

Longtime teacher Gloria Hutchison, who has taught visiting classes at Brocksden School, portrays a one-room school teacher alongside children dressed in turn-of-the-century clothing during filming for a documentary exploring the history of education at Brocksden School and Stratford’s former Normal School. Gary West photo

By Gary West

There were some exciting times recently at the historic Brocksden School Museum on Perth Line 37, also known as Vivian Line.

The 173-year-old one-room schoolhouse is being featured in a new documentary alongside Stratford’s former Normal School, which operated from 1908 to 1973 and later became the Teachers College.

The Stratford and District Historical Society has partnered with filmmaker Andrew Brown to produce the documentary, which will explore the history of teacher training in Stratford as well as early education in rural Ontario.

Part of the film will focus on women’s roles in teaching and the impact teachers had on community and social life, particularly in rural areas.

Brocksden was selected as a fitting location to help recreate that period in education, when one teacher was often responsible for students across eight grades in a single classroom.

Filming took place inside the schoolhouse with a small group of age-appropriate children dressed in period clothing, along with interviews offering historical context.

Leading the research and development of the project is producer Nancy Musselman (Trachsel), who was raised on a farm on the western edge of Shakespeare and has long been involved in preserving and sharing local history from Shakespeare, Stratford and across Perth County.

Longtime teacher Gloria Hutchison, who has taught visiting classes at Brocksden School, was featured in the documentary as the teacher during the classroom scenes.

The project is another opportunity to showcase two important pieces of local educational history and preserve their stories for future generations.

Residents interested in supporting the future of Brocksden School can also attend one of three candlelight dinners being hosted by Lynn River Farm.

The dinners will be held Nov. 28, 29 and Dec. 5 at the school beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are available by calling Mike or Lindsay at Lynn River Farm at 519-949-2871.