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Start of Education the Early Years |
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Cartwright School 1888 (?) Cartwright
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The first school built in Cartwright was in August 1888, on the present site, at a cost of $670. The site purchased from Mr. John Wallace "not less than half an acre for $50" and the contract was let to Hugh Brewster. The secretary was instructed to prepare a contract, stipulating that the contractor was to forfeit $5 per day if not completed by the time school started.
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Lake Lorne 1900 (?) 7 Miles North 1 Mile West of Cartwright
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Not everyone walked to school, but I found out from those who did that the terrain and the weather was very different back then. They informed me, "I had to walk to school, up hill, both ways, through snowbanks 5 feet deep, in 30 below weather most everyday, and and there was no such thing as a snow day".
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Hazeldell 1890 (?) 4 Miles North 4 Miles West of Cartwright
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The school district known as Hazeldell #611 was formed in 1890. During the years 1890 - 1960 Hazeldell school became the "Community Center" of the district with concerts, dances, socials, meeting, Church and Sunday School all being held there.
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East Mountain 1898 (?) 1 Mile South 6 Miles West of Cartwright
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East Mountain School District No. 931 was formed in 1898. The name "East Mountain" was suggested by Mrs. Sam Kissick, because the area was east of the Turtle Mountains.
The school building and shed were built by S. Chesney in 1898 for $500. Other expenses were; $21.25 for the well, $48 for desks, $4.00 for a table, $1.45 for a chair.
East Mountain school was situated near a creek, and the early students remember the Indians camping at the creek and using the school's wood to cook their meat.
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Chesterville Class 1905 4 Miles South 1 Mile West of Cartwright
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The first Chesterville picnic took place on July 25, 1884, and came to be the big annual event of the settlement. Settlers from a distance would start with ox teams early in the morning, and get there by noon, and arrive home in the small hours next day, tires but such a day as they had enjoyed! Friendliness and brotherhood were in evidence everywhere; there were no strangers, you knew on another as settlers and that was all that was required. The loneliness of those who had left comfortable homes and friends and the East added to the sociability and friendship to an extent that we of the present day seldom get in touch with.
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North Derby 1887 (?) 8 Miles North 2 Miles East of Cartwright
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The first North Derby School was built in 1887. It was not centralized as far as population was concerned. After a great deal of controversy and a great uproar the district was divided into North and South Derby.
The new North Derby School was built on 9-3-14 in 1906. We must remember that many of the children walked to school. Some rode horses while others rode in horse-drawn carts, buggies, cutters, wagons, sleighs or vans. To be transported to school in a van in wintry weather was as close as you would ever get to luxury travel in those days.
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South Derby 1906 (?) 4 Miles North 3 Miles East of Cartwright
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The South Derby School District No. 1390 was formed by By-Law No. 47 on June 20, 1906.
In early years, school started in the spring with two weeks holiday in July, and ended in December. One student recalls looking back on their country schools, "we remember long walks, lunch pails, lighting fires in winter, frozen dinners, your face roasting and your back freezing". These hardships developed a hardy breed of people who had great stamina, self-initiative, a sense of responsibility, and pride in themselves and their country.
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Mylor School 1895 3 Miles East 4 Miles South of Cartwright
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Old timers recall that to Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Rowe goes the honor of having chosen the name of the school formed in 1895. The Rowes named the school "Mylor", after a place in England called Mylor Bridge.
Items of interest gleaned from memos found with the old cash books shed light on the economy of that time. One memo simply states:
Cost of new School, June 9, 1913 - Paid to D. McCallum $1,435. It did not specify whether the money was for materials or wages or both. One memo recorded the following: 1913, new school furnishings, maps and desks, paid to D.R. Black 4103.60; blackboards and furnishings $59.65.
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End of Education the Early Years |
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