{"id":5992,"date":"2022-11-03T16:30:28","date_gmt":"2022-11-03T20:30:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/?p=5992"},"modified":"2025-01-29T15:27:31","modified_gmt":"2025-01-29T20:27:31","slug":"ottawa-ladies-college-in-the-past-a-history-of-educational-heritage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/ottawa-ladies-college-in-the-past-a-history-of-educational-heritage-5992\/","title":{"rendered":"Ottawa Ladies&#8217; College in the Past: A History of Educational Heritage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>This institution holds a significant place in history, having been established in 1869 by a local lumber baron. How has the institution evolved over time? What transformations has it undergone? <a href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/uk\/\">Ottawa One<\/a> delves into the details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a2ffb29391d6\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a2ffb29391d6\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/ottawa-ladies-college-in-the-past-a-history-of-educational-heritage-5992\/#Early_History\" >Early History<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/ottawa-ladies-college-in-the-past-a-history-of-educational-heritage-5992\/#Ottawa_Ladies_College\" >Ottawa Ladies&#8217; College<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/ottawa-ladies-college-in-the-past-a-history-of-educational-heritage-5992\/#What_Was_Education_Like_at_the_Ladies_College\" >What Was Education Like at the Ladies&#8217; College?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/ottawa-ladies-college-in-the-past-a-history-of-educational-heritage-5992\/#The_Glebe_District_at_the_Start_of_Construction\" >The Glebe District at the Start of Construction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/ottawa-ladies-college-in-the-past-a-history-of-educational-heritage-5992\/#Post-War_Changes_in_the_Ladies_College\" >Post-War Changes in the Ladies&#8217; College<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/ottawa-ladies-college-in-the-past-a-history-of-educational-heritage-5992\/#Preserving_the_Citys_Heritage\" >Preserving the City&#8217;s Heritage<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/ottawa-ladies-college-in-the-past-a-history-of-educational-heritage-5992\/#A_Successful_Project\" >A Successful Project<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/ottawa-ladies-college-in-the-past-a-history-of-educational-heritage-5992\/#The_Fate_of_Ottawa_Ladies_College_in_the_Past\" >The Fate of Ottawa Ladies&#8217; College in the Past<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Early_History\"><\/span>Early History<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Initially, this was a Presbyterian women&#8217;s college founded by Henry Franklin Bronson, later renamed Ottawa Ladies&#8217; College. The institution\u2019s mission was to provide educational services to young girls from the first grade through to the collegiate level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the Ladies&#8217; College, students were taught:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Presbyterianism\u2014A branch of Protestantism emphasizing the organizational structure of the church, led by elders and community leaders;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Science;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Athletics;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Equestrian courses;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pantomime courses;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Domestic sciences, including needlework, sewing, and household arts (practical culinary skills).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Upon opening in 1869, enrollment quickly exceeded 100 students, leading to a shortage of classroom space. This prompted fundraising efforts to construct a larger facility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ottawa_Ladies_College\"><\/span>Ottawa Ladies&#8217; College<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1977, the institution became known as Ontario Heritage Trust. However, before that transition, a significant fundraising campaign enabled the construction of a new women\u2019s college at 268 First Avenue in the Glebe district.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For such an ambitious project, renowned local architect Allan Keefer was enlisted in 1912. His previous work had brought him considerable success, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Commercial buildings on Sparks Street;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grand private residences in Rockcliffe Park;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The reconstruction of the Central Block following the 1916 fire.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Keefer designed Ottawa Ladies&#8217; College in the Edwardian classical style, characterized by steel structures clad in red brick, symmetrical stone details, and decorative bands. The lower floors had a more residential feel to reflect the boarding school aspect of the institution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visible features included dormer windows and two pavilions, which became familiar landmarks in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/01\/2_ad_4nxdyxrrgnz8u9-lcd21a02wktfsw_uvcxfst-q1b0vvwv8cxqsbwni_xis-pgoztcrvmrpigggr7-_2rq4b1zvdzv61jeycbjb___xng9dgavlcpm5j-qawlee7bnwp9toarazjz6akeysb47enh-o7cnxivoxetlaojh.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Was_Education_Like_at_the_Ladies_College\"><\/span>What Was Education Like at the Ladies&#8217; College?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Research into girls&#8217; education during that period highlights their unequal standing in society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before the 1850s, families hired governesses and tutors for home education. However, after the establishment of free public schools in 1871, the number of girls enrolled in school in Ontario began approaching that of boys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Curricula for girls primarily focused on domestic sciences, art, and refinement. Many were trained to become schoolteachers\u2014one of the few career opportunities available to women at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Women were also paid significantly less than men, reinforcing their secondary status in society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By the 1840s, music had become an essential part of girls\u2019 education in Ottawa. Most ladies&#8217; colleges included music in their programs, and some even established separate departments dedicated exclusively to the subject. At Ottawa Ladies&#8217; College, for instance, Edward Fisher served as the music director. Access to women&#8217;s colleges encouraged female students to excel in their fields, though initial admission required approval from notable educators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/01\/2_ad_4nxcmkwgaffqewtqryyofzo5-rv201ys3zfanvttrmni8mcgzux-oojphns0bvizpxshn8vjxjiyi6lnwnil0ciggk40juaoscourr7zzxeymb6ycocr2u_qcm8b21kenpy8joy8wtqkeysb47enh-o7cnxivoxetlaojh.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Glebe_District_at_the_Start_of_Construction\"><\/span>The Glebe District at the Start of Construction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At the time, the Glebe was not densely populated. Large land holdings remained within influential families, passing down through generations. The district was somewhat isolated, bordered by the Rideau Canal, the Canada Atlantic Railway, and Bronson Avenue. Over time, residents demanded local churches, schools, and commercial enterprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By the early 1900s, Ottawa\u2019s population had surged, and the Glebe experienced a significant construction boom:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1895: Mutchmor Public School was built;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1898: First Avenue Public School was established;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1922: Construction of the collegiate school was completed;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1926: Corpus Christi School was built;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1929: The Ottawa High School of Commerce was founded.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/01\/2_ad_4nxejylgsn8dypldr2qooezkg489e8olocdfgwuezu4cxjo9lyt24vsbum9nzsa9n7n1ex0dyabwrtjoejye0mgzus56tb12i55nj6puuqdklywyxhflshtq83kssemzdu0sydmcd7gkeysb47enh-o7cnxivoxetlaojh.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Post-War_Changes_in_the_Ladies_College\"><\/span>Post-War Changes in the Ladies&#8217; College<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The college underwent several changes over the years. Until World War II, it remained a women&#8217;s institution. However, in 1942, it was repurposed as a barracks for members of the Canadian Women&#8217;s Army Corps, a role it maintained until the war ended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After 1945, Carleton College (later Carleton University) expressed interest in the property. By 1947, the institution moved in, adding a library extension that changed its original T-shaped structure into an H-shaped layout. The building housed classes for returning war veterans until 1960.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1963, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board purchased the former Ladies&#8217; College, converting it into office space\u2014the first major redevelopment project on First Avenue, 268.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/01\/2_ad_4nxde-u0rckk58pxoaqa1niivx70z1pgks1htrvkkbekqa-6pq5gxbozkq7s_t6y_t0ettegdvg6xfwmjbzpcclvumgt9eef3oqhrntrdm5_a8hm78duuh8qcvmts8azhzilishqksgkeysb47enh-o7cnxivoxetlaojh.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Preserving_the_Citys_Heritage\"><\/span>Preserving the City&#8217;s Heritage<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The City of Ottawa designated the building under the Ontario Heritage Act, ensuring its historical value would be preserved despite changes in ownership. The legislation protected the structure\u2019s exterior but did not extend to later library additions, which were renovated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A redevelopment plan was publicly presented to ensure community engagement. Barry Hobin Architects joined the project, marking the end of the building\u2019s association with its educational and historical legacy, including its ties to women&#8217;s participation in Ottawa\u2019s military history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/01\/2_ad_4nxcpex2m2m0wyvg2pkyh0xece2sivichboohnjqny8xuko9_nhj1el2z-gbv8uzoncdpzqzgvmgbbyv1xsgc3eze4flhquiyrcitutcteo6_exsrcewu5kc0zr2zykioy4ewhaoknqkeysb47enh-o7cnxivoxetlaojh.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Successful_Project\"><\/span>A Successful Project<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Symbolically, the building\u2019s new purpose mirrored its original function. By 2000, extensive renovations transformed it into a condominium complex. The development included 54 luxury apartments, all quickly occupied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Heritage preservation experts expressed concern over modifications such as added balconies and dormer windows, as outlined in the updated plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/01\/2_ad_4nxcl3wtx-g9x8mlcl14twomibww5katxs76qk1bd3ryc8mj9s6gix6utk1glm8jh1mwexz7exfjxz7ua1bgw_zstozm5ke0brebk19i6vzuvlrkvfs8uuc3m9pswsay48tgsm7ibpqkeysb47enh-o7cnxivoxetlaojh.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Fate_of_Ottawa_Ladies_College_in_the_Past\"><\/span>The Fate of Ottawa Ladies&#8217; College in the Past<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2001, developers Rutberna and Hobin were recognized for their contributions to heritage preservation. The modifications to the original building did not diminish its historical value. By repurposing the space into condominiums, the project maintained a connection to its boarding school roots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is worth noting that not all schools built in the Glebe during the early demographic boom were as fortunate. Many faced closure or demolition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Experts attribute the successful adaptation of the former Ottawa Ladies&#8217; College to its prime location. Approximately 72.2% of Glebe residents hold a bachelor\u2019s degree or higher, and unemployment rates in the area are significantly lower than the Ottawa average.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most residents of the Glebe do not experience financial hardship. Although the Ottawa Ladies&#8217; College building has undergone many changes, its history remains rich and diverse. Despite various interventions, including the addition of a library wing, the structure has endured and continues to be a valuable part of the city\u2019s heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/01\/ad_4nxer-pdmhf_vyjd9ufw4h4lujkko2hd87rixvbmzfmsj0fet9wywkh1mmij0ontnijycmvezzsxcirdqkmrnvekgpkeiw1e5isls8egpjcf8duakgk9os87feywgqdzfr-6idf8wqakeysb47enh-o7cnxivoxetlaojh.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This institution holds a significant place in history, having been established in 1869 by a local lumber baron. How has the institution evolved over time? What transformations has it undergone? Ottawa One delves into the details. Early History Initially, this was a Presbyterian women&#8217;s college founded by Henry Franklin Bronson, later renamed Ottawa Ladies&#8217; College. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":469,"featured_media":5993,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1166],"tags":[3336,3332,3340,3334,3329,2045,2044,3335,3338,3331,3328,3330,3327,3333,3339],"moimportance":[78,81],"motype":[],"moformat":[93],"class_list":{"0":"post-5992","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-education","8":"tag-268-first-avenue-glebe","9":"tag-glebe-building-boom","10":"tag-how-girls-and-women-were-educated-in-the-19th-century","11":"tag-issues-of-womens-inequality","12":"tag-new-condominiums","13":"tag-ontario-heritage-trust","14":"tag-ottawa-ladies-college","15":"tag-ottawas-19th-century-education","16":"tag-ottawas-building-boom","17":"tag-post-war-changes","18":"tag-preserving-the-citys-heritage","19":"tag-preserving-the-citys-historic-heritage","20":"tag-successful-revamped-project","21":"tag-the-fate-of-the-womens-college","22":"tag-womens-college-education-program","23":"moimportance-golovna-novina","24":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatori","25":"moformat-longrid-korotka"},"modified_by":"Katya Koshevaya","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5992","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/469"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5992"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5992\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6065,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5992\/revisions\/6065"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5993"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5992"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5992"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5992"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=5992"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=5992"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=5992"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}