 |  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 Lone Spruce School District No. 416 1924-1966 southeast corner of Section 3, Township 32, Range 8, West of the Second Meridian Province Saskatchewan, Canada |
Mainroad School #4536: A Legacy of Education, Community, and Sacrifice
In the rolling fields of Saskatchewan, where the winds sweep across vast prairies and the horizon stretches endlessly, one small schoolhouse stood as a testament to the enduring spirit of rural life. Mainroad School #4536, built in 1924, was more than just a place of learning—it was the heart of a community, a symbol of resilience, and a space where generations of children were shaped by the values of hard work, friendship, and unity. The Birth of Mainroad School The story of Mainroad School begins in the early 1920s, a time when education was vital to the development of rural Saskatchewan. At the time, the existing schools in the area were spread across the countryside: Boxmoor to the north, Stoney View to the south, and Bellenden to the east. However, for many families living in the central region, these schools were too far away. The solution was clear—a new school needed to be built.
In 1923, a meeting of landowners was held at the home of Mr. Alfred Wallen, a centrally located pioneer whose farmhouse became the gathering place for those who wanted to make a change. They discussed plans for a new school that would serve as a hub for the growing community of settlers. But before the plans could come to fruition, tragedy struck. On September 23, 1923, Stoney View School was destroyed by fire, and with the urgency of the situation, the pioneers rushed to ensure the construction of Mainroad School. Building the Community's Future Despite the sudden setback, the families of the area rallied together, determined to build a school that would serve not just their children, but the community for generations. Mainroad School was completed and opened its doors in the spring of 1924. Located on the southeast corner of Section 3, Township 32, Range 8, West of the Second Meridian, the new school was a beacon of hope for families seeking a closer and more accessible educational facility.
The school served the children of Attlesey, Dean, Currah, Churchill, Offer, Jordan, Bosowych, and Sawchuk families, whose farms dotted the surrounding landscape. Additionally, other families, including Currah, Bosawych, Whitman, Petryshyn, Sawchuk, Wallen, Clifford, Davies, and Jordan, found the new location more convenient, and their children too began attending Mainroad School. This central location made Mainroad more accessible to everyone, and over time, the schoolhouse became a hub for not just education but community activities as well.
A Legacy of Honor and Sacrifice Mainroad School wasn’t just a place where children learned their ABCs—it was a place where the values of sacrifice, courage, and community were instilled. In recognition of the tremendous sacrifices made during World War One, the school proudly honored those who gave their lives for their country. A special plaque was placed in the school in remembrance of these brave souls, ensuring that their memory would live on for generations to come.
In 1961, this plaque was moved and placed on a cenotaph in Evergreen Cemetery, one mile south of Rama, Saskatchewan, where the names of these fallen heroes continue to be commemorated. The dedication to remembering the sacrifices of the past is a reflection of the strong sense of duty and pride that defined the Mainroad School community, values that extended beyond the classroom and into the very heart of the village. Closing the Doors of Mainroad School As with many rural schools, Mainroad School faced the pressures of consolidation and changing times. By June 1966, after more than four decades of service, the school closed its doors for good. Students were then bussed to other schools in the region as part of the broader trend of consolidating smaller, rural schools. Though Mainroad School’s time as a functioning educational institution had come to an end, its legacy lived on in the memories of those who had passed through its doors and the impact it had on the community.A Lasting Legacy Mainroad School may no longer stand, but its history remains a cherished part of Saskatchewan’s educational story. The school was more than just a building; it was a gathering place, a beacon of community pride, and a symbol of the hard work and resilience of the early settlers in the region.
Today, when people speak of Mainroad School, they recall the friendships formed, the lessons learned, and the shared sacrifices that united the families of this small rural community. The plaque honoring the fallen soldiers still stands at the cenotaph in Evergreen Cemetery, a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the generation that came before and the lessons they imparted on those who followed.
Mainroad School #4536 is a shining example of the strength of rural Saskatchewan communities, a place where education, history, and community spirit intersected to create a legacy that will never be forgotten. The families who helped build it, the children who attended, and the pioneers who made it all possible can be proud of what they accomplished together—and the mark they left on the history of Saskatchewan. For more information and images Parkland Trails Mainroad School copyright Invermay, Rama History book Committee |
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| Mainroad School District No. 4530, southeast corner of Section 3, Township 32, Range 8, West of the Second Meridian, 1924-1966, Mainroad School District No. 4530, southeast corner of Section 3, Township 32, Range 8, West of the Second Meridian, 1924-1966, Mainroad School District No. 4530, southeast corner of Section 3, Township 32, Range 8, West of the Second Meridian, 1924-1966, by Dona/,d Dean Mainroad School was built in the year 1924 on the south east corner of 3-32-8 W2. The building of this school was prompted by the extreme distance that the children of this area had to travel to obtain their education. Mainroad School At this time the schools available were: Boxmoor to the north, Stony View to the south and Bellenden to the east. The geographical centre in distance between these schools was the hoomestead of Mr. Alfred Wallen. At this time it was agreed that the land owners of the area call a general meeting and discuss the situation. It was decided that the meeting be held on the 20th of April, 1923 at the home of Mr. Alfred Wallen. Mr. Arthur Dean was elected president, Mr. George Churchill was secretary for the meeting. A poll was conducted to arrive at the feeling of the ratepayers in regard to forming a new school district. There were 26 people present. The results of the poll were: 20 votes in favour, 3 votes against. At this time three trustees were elected to carry out the business of the new school. Those elected were Mr. William Davies President, Mr. George Churchill Secretary Treasurer and Bill Older trustee. 93 being Mr. Arthur Murray was replaced by Mr. Maurice Ya chyshen. At the first reorganization meeting of the board of trustees in February, Mr. Maurice Yachyshyn took on the duties of secretary from Mr. Neil Dean. At the annual meeting of 1963, Mr. Alden (Bud) Landstad was elected trustee in place of Mr. Neil Dean. In the fall of 1964, Mr. Lawrence Hryhoryshen was hired to teach; he came from the Hyas area, had a small family and stayed for one year. At this time there was considerable pressure being put on the school board by the Larger School Unit Board to close this school, but due to ratepayers' rejection, they did manage to keep it open for another year. Mrs. Verna Prychak was hired on in the fall of 1965 and taught until the school closed for good in June, 1966. At the annual meeting in 1964, Mr. Maurice Ya chyshyn resigned as trustee and secretary as he was moving out of the district. Bert Wallin replaced him as trustee and secretary and retained that position until the school district was phased out by the Unit. One memorable piece of historical importance in Mainroad School was a plaque that hung above the blackboard at the front of the school, honoring the men who lost their lives in the first great war. This plaque was later placed on a cenotaph in the Evergreen Cemetery, one mile south of Rama. Mainroad School sports day. 96 Mainroad School #4536 https://saskgenweb.ca/cansk/school/ copyright Parkland Trails. Histories of R.M. of Invermay and Villages of Invermay and Rama ISBN 0-919781-11-X Invermay, Rama History book Committee, Invermay, SK SOA 1M0. With Permissions for the SK One Room Schoolhouse Project https://saskgenweb.ca/cansk/school//font> |