Rockwood Academy

Rockwood Academy is a three-story limestone building located in Guelph/Eramosa with symmetrical facades and regularly spaced double-hung windows. The structure retains original features including wide plank floorboards and detailed window surrounds throughout its interior.

William Wetherald founded this private boarding school in 1850, operating it successfully for over three decades before closing in 1883. The institution became known for educating students who went on to prominent positions in Canadian public life.

The school shaped generations of students who later moved into public and business roles across Canada. Walking through the rooms today, you sense how education once happened within these limestone walls in a close community setting.

The building is maintained by the Ontario Heritage Trust as a protected heritage site. Visitors should be aware this is a historic structure with original features, so some areas may have uneven flooring or narrow passages typical of 19th-century construction.

Artist Yosef Drenters bought the empty school building in 1960 and converted it into an art studio. He spent the following two decades transforming classrooms and hallways into working spaces where he created and developed his artistic practice.

Location: Guelph/Eramosa

Inception: 1850

Architectural style: Georgian architecture

Made from material: limestone

Address: 477 Main Street South (Rockwood)

GPS coordinates: 43.61042,-80.13317

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:44