The Story of Dobrowdy School: A Pillar of Rural Education

In the early years of the 20th century, rural communities in Saskatchewan were often isolated, but the pioneers who settled these lands were determined to build the future for their children. In a small corner of the province, the establishment of Dobrowdy School stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of these early settlers. The road to the school’s creation was marked by community collaboration and a commitment to education, a hallmark of Saskatchewan’s rural school history.

On February 14, 1910, three local pioneers petitioned the Minister of Education to create a school district in the area. Their effort was supported by a community eager for a school to educate their children. Just over a month later, on March 29, 1910, a meeting was held with 25 ratepayers in attendance, and the Dobrowdy School District was officially formed. The district was established on July 9, 1910, and the first school building was constructed on the southwest corner of SW Section 17, Township 33, Range 7, West of the Second Meridian.

In the early years, Dobrowdy School served as a one-room schoolhouse, where children of various ages and grades came together to learn. In 1922, night school was introduced, reflecting the community’s commitment to lifelong learning and the need for adult education in the growing agricultural region. As the community expanded and the school population grew, the school building was expanded as well—adding a second classroom in 1927 to accommodate the increasing number of students, along with a porch built in 1923.

By 1930, the school had been further developed with the addition of a teacher’s residence, providing much-needed housing for the teachers who came from far and wide to educate the children of Dobrowdy and the surrounding districts. The construction of a well in 1926 added a vital resource to the school property, though by 1929 it needed to be replaced with a new well to continue serving the growing school community.

Dobrowdy School was more than just a place of learning; it was the heart of the community. As with many rural schools in Saskatchewan, the building became a hub for various activities. Beyond its use for classes, the school hosted community events and social gatherings, serving as a meeting place for neighbors and friends.

In the post-war years, educational governance in Saskatchewan underwent changes, and by 1950, Dobrowdy School became part of the newly formed Canora School Unit. This shift reflected a broader consolidation of rural schools as the province adapted to the changing educational needs of its population. However, by 1966, the school closed its doors for the final time, its students now attending schools in nearby Rama or Invermay.

In 1960, Dobrowdy School’s legacy was extended when the building from the closed Boxmoor School was relocated to the southwest corner of Section 3, Township 33, Range 7, West of the Second Meridian. This new school, named Dobrowdy South School, served as an extension of the original Dobrowdy School. But by 1966, Dobrowdy South School also closed, and once again, students were bussed to larger schools in neighboring towns.

Though the buildings have since been repurposed or dismantled, the spirit of Dobrowdy School lives on in the stories of those who attended and the community that built it. The school was more than just a place for children to learn; it was a gathering place that united families and helped to shape the future of the region. From its humble beginnings in 1910 to its closure in the 1960s, Dobrowdy School played a pivotal role in the lives of rural Saskatchewan’s children and families, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the history of the province's education system.

For more information and images Parkland Trails Dobrowdy School copyright Invermay, Rama History book Committee For more information and images Dobrowdy South School 26537

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To: saskgenweb@yahoo.com
Digitization From: John Ashdown and Gord Graham
Updated November 23, 2024. Web Curator Julia Adamson.

Copyright. Bibliography for citations:
"Adamson, Julia, John Ashdown, Gord Graham, Rama History book Committee (2024, November 23) Saskatchewan One Room Schoolhouse Project
Retrieved Subject: "Parkland Trails Schools"

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