London Normal School facts for kids
The London Normal School is a special historic building in London, Ontario, Canada. It's located at 165 Elmwood Avenue in the Wortley Village area. This grand old building has a long history of helping to educate people.
A School for Teachers
This important building was constructed between 1898 and 1899. The architect who designed it was Francis Heakes. The London Normal School was actually the third "normal school" ever built in Ontario. A normal school was a special place where people went to train and become teachers. It was like a college just for future educators!
The building itself looks very impressive. It combines different old architectural styles, like classical, Romanesque, and Gothic designs. This mix was popular for buildings from that time.
Changing Uses Over Time
Classes for new teachers started at the London Normal School on February 1, 1900. For many years, it was a busy place where many teachers learned their skills.
However, by the 1960s, teacher training moved to other places, like Elborn College and Althouse College. Today, Althouse College is part of the University of Western Ontario Faculty of Education.
After it stopped being a school for teachers, the building found new purposes:
- In 1963, it became the main office for the London Board of Education. This board helps manage public schools in the area.
- In 1986, it changed again. It became the Monsignor Feeney Centre for Catholic Education, serving the London District Catholic School Board.
The Building Today
The Catholic School Board moved to a new building in 2005. After that, the London Normal School building was empty for a while. Today, it is the main office for the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario. The YMCA is an organization that helps people stay healthy and active, and supports communities.
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London Normal School, front entrance
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London Normal School, rear
Images for kids
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London Normal School tower
