Preserving the history of Luseland’s country schools

By Joan Janzen

Not only is it time for students to return “back to school,” but it’s also a time when the community of Luseland is preserving the history of the country schools in their area. “We feel this is a piece of history that we would like to see preserved,” Jean Halliday, a museum board member, said.

“When one drives down country roads, a school sign including the name and years of operation is a very intriguing thing to come across.” And that is exactly what the museum plans to do.

Abbnott School (1910 - 1959) was named for the first organizers - Frank Abbs and George Hoddinott. The first school was built in 1910, but by 1922, a larger school was needed. The decision was made to build a brick school with a full basement, which was a very impressive building as we can see today. Today, the structure has been renovated and serves as a family’s home. Photo (submitted by museum)

Jean said the five schools currently on the list to receive signs are Hearts Hill, Greenvale, Baliol, Niagara and West Luseland, which are presently unmarked. The markers will be large metal signs which will be readable for motorists driving by. Each sign will cost approximately $540. Jean said Travis Kasis from Carl’s Welding drew up a sample sign and will be doing the laser metal work.

Memorial cairns and plaques mark the Thorndale and Warrington school locations, but others, like the Niagara School building, were moved and became the Bell Acres Golf and Country Club clubhouse. That school was in use from 1923 to 1952. The Baliol School opened in 1912 and was the last country school to close in 1960.

During that era, provincial governments were ensuring children had to walk at most two or three miles to school in rural areas. Two nearby school buildings still remain on their original sites. Built in the 1920s, Abbnott School has been renovated and now serves as a family’s home. The other school, known as the West Luseland School, closed in 1952 and is widely recognized as the place where Luseland School graduates paint their names. Other country school sites can be recognized by clusters of caraganas growing in a field.

During the past year, the Luseland Museum focussed its theme on country schools. Luseland’s museum board consists of a group of dedicated committee members. During the past winter season, research was done, which enabled a display board to be made for each country school. These boards include the name of the school, the years it remained open, its location, and the history of the school name, along with a photo of the structure.

Throughout the summer, the museum committee conducted events relating to country schools, which visitors could enjoy. Everything from spelling bees, math quizzes, hopscotch, marbles and jacks were included in the fun. The museum also conducted driving tours to the country school sites in the area for interested tourists.

The Luseland Museum invites area residents, people who grew up in the area and anyone interested in preserving history to be a part of their Country School Sign Project. Donations can be made to the Town of Luseland by sending a cheque or e-transfer.