 |  Saskatchewan One Room School Project provides an online history for current generations to enjoy, preserve, and experience, our historical educational, architectural, and cultural, heritage. Gallery Bellenden School District 2813 NE 29-31-7 W2 1911-1966 south of Rama (NE 24-32-8 W2 GPS 51.761472, -102.998958) Province Saskatchewan, Canada |
Bellenden School District 2813Construction began in August 1911, located on the northeast quarter of Section 29, Township 31, Range 7, West of the Second Meridian, on land designated for the school by the community. The building was designed by architect William Hewson, while Frank B. Gordon served as the contractor. Many local residents contributed to the project, providing materials such as stone, sand, and lumber. Notable contributors included John Meakiw, John Upex, John Dean, James Richardson, John Murray, and George S. Dean. Leonard Kilgour Sr. and A.G. Dean provided firewood for heating, and Nels Hamlin dug the well. Bellenden School officially opened in March 1912. Initially, there was difficulty securing a teacher, as both J.J. Lynch and G.Z. Turrill declined the position. Eventually, Miss Sabinelle Privatt was appointed as the first teacher, boarding with the George H. Dean family. The first year saw irregular attendance, as many students were needed to help on the farm or with other household duties. Notable early attendees included Nick Grona (11), who attended 18 days, and his brother Ben Grona (19), who attended only 6 days. Other students included John Grona, Connie Murray, Muriel Dean, and several others, with attendance varying from 2 to 19 days. Poor road conditions, the demands of farm life, and the isolation of the area were frequently cited as reasons for low attendance. Despite these challenges, the school reached a peak enrollment of 80 students during the 1934-35 school year. However, poor road conditions continued to disrupt the school year, with only 19 teaching days in March of that year. In the winter months, school would start later in the morning to allow students time to plow through snowdrifts. To keep the school warm, Mr. Philip Wowchuk, Mr. Fred Kowalchuk, and Mr. Mike Fedyk would arrive early to start the wood stove and remove frost from the walls and windows. In June 1966, Bellenden School closed its doors, and students were bussed to Rama. Over its years of operation, the school became a central part of the community, with dedicated trustees, teachers, and students ensuring its success. For more information and images Parkland Trails Bellenden School copyright Invermay, Rama History book Committee |
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