Historical Buildings

The six historical buildings represent the educational, commercial,
social, religious and agricultural elements of early pioneer
life on this Island. With the exception of the stone church and
the brick school, all other building have been relocated
from elsewhere on the Island.

The Stone Church

Click photo for interior view

When The St. Joseph Island Museum opened in 1963, it was located
in the stone church. Formerly known as the Zion Church, this
historical building was erected in 1899 through the expertise of
a local stone mason and numerous work bees held by the
members of the parish.

The Brick School
Click on photo for interior view

The I Line School, erected in 1933, served the schoolchildren of
this area up until 1964. At that time, the school board closed
many outlying one-room schoolhouses and bussed children into
either the Village of Hilton Beach or Richards Landing.

The Barn
Click on photo for interior view

The large barn was relocated to the museum grounds as
a Canadian Centennial Project in 1967. This barn, circa 1880,
was re-erected in an old fashioned barn raising bee complete
with potluck luncheon. A new concrete footing and tin roof
ensure this building many more years of service in its new role
as an exhibition hall.

The Log Cabin
Click on photo for interior view

This log cabin is typical of early pioneer dwellings found on
the Island in the mid-to late 1800's. In order to lay claim to a
property, settlers had to clear 15 acres and erect a dwelling.
This cabin is actually a blending of two historical log dwellings
because of base logs that had rotted and were no longer salvageable.

The Kentvale Store
Click on photo for interior view

Kentvale Merchants is a name that is synonymous with Island history.
Since 1888, generations of the Kent family have been providing good
old-fashioned service to the area. This store served the Island
community from 1912-1932. Look closely and you'll see the Museum
Gift Shop where you can buy a souvenir of your visit.

The Log School
Click on photo for interior view

This small building, which was relocated to the museum from
Sailors Encampment in 1987, has a long and illustrious history.
Not only did it serve as a school from 1877 until 1885, it was
also council chambers for the newly organized Township of
St. Joseph, Sunday school and, in later years, a private residence.

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