 |  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 Croydon District Number 4723 1949-1967 NW section 33 township 33 range 8 west of the second meridian northeast of Invermay Province Saskatchewan, Canada |
A Reflection of Rural Education and Community StrengthThe district was established in August 1927, and its boundaries were set to encompass the families living on sections 28, 29, 32, and 33 in Township 33, Range 8, West of the Second Meridian, as well as those living in sections 4, 5, 8, and 9 in Township 34. Though these areas were designated for the school, the number of ratepayers in the district was small, limiting the financial support that could be provided to the school and its operations. As a result, some children from Croydon’s district attended neighboring schools, such as Mason School (SW 9-33-8 W2 1909-1965), Lone Spruce School (W 1-34-8 W2 1912-1960), or Loch Sloy School (NW 36-33-9 W2 1915-1963), depending on their location and available resources. The area fell under the jurisdiction of two rural municipalities—Hazel Dell No. 335 and Invermay No. 305. Both of these municipalities played crucial roles in the development and ongoing support of local schools. Despite the sparsely populated area, the families of Croydon School District were determined to provide their children with an education. While the district was officially formed in 1927, it would take over two decades before a permanent school building was constructed. The schoolhouse was authorized in 1948, with plans to provide a centralized, accessible learning space for the students in the district. Finally, in the fall of 1949, Croydon School opened its doors, marking the beginning of a new chapter for local education. The school operated for nearly two decades, serving the children from the surrounding farms and rural homes. In its early years, the school saw a range of challenges, not least of which was the small number of students. This often meant that older children and younger children alike shared classrooms and lessons, learning together in the time-honored tradition of the one-room schoolhouse. The small, close-knit nature of the school allowed students to form strong bonds with one another, learning not just academics but also the value of community. By 1962, however, the educational landscape in Saskatchewan began to change. With the formation of the Canora School Unit, the pupils of Croydon School District became part of the larger, consolidated educational system. This shift reflected broader trends across rural Saskatchewan, where many one-room schoolhouses were closing as communities consolidated their educational resources. The final year of operation for Croydon School came in 1967, marking the end of an era for the district’s students and families. Though the building itself is no longer standing, the legacy of Croydon School lives on in the stories of the families who attended, and in the spirit of the small rural schools that shaped so much of Saskatchewan’s early education system. The school served as more than just a place of learning—it was a community hub, a gathering point for events and social activities that brought the local families together. It was a place where children learned to read and write, but also where they learned about their history, their land, and the importance of working together to build a future. The story of Croydon School is not just about the building or the lessons taught within its walls—it is about the resilience and determination of rural Saskatchewan families. It is a reminder of how, even in areas with limited resources, communities came together to ensure that their children could grow up with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive. As part of the larger history of rural education in Saskatchewan, Croydon School’s story is intertwined with the stories of other small schools, all of which contributed to the development of the province. Whether it was Mason, Lone Spruce, Loch Sloy, or Croydon, these schools were the backbone of rural life, fostering community and ensuring that the next generation was prepared to face the future. With the closure of Croydon School in 1967, the community’s education system became part of a larger, more modern structure, but the memory of this one-room schoolhouse remains a cherished piece of local history. For more information and images Parkland Trails Croydon School copyright Invermay, Rama History book Committee |
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