 |  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 Mason School District #2449 South east corner of the north east section 9 township 33 range 8 west of the 2nd meridian Province Saskatchewan, Canada |
A Changing Landscape
Several potential sites were considered for the new school, but after much deliberation, the final site was chosen on M.P. Mason’s land. By December 1911, the community’s dream became a reality when Mason School officially opened its doors to its first class of students. It was a simple building, with little more than the bare essentials, but it quickly became the heart of the community.
In the 1920s, the school underwent significant improvements, a testament to the growing needs of the community. The school was jacked up and turned, with its front door now facing south instead of east. A full-size basement was added, providing much-needed space, while an additional cloakroom and a library were added at the back of the classroom to serve the educational needs of the students. These changes marked a new era for Mason School, as it became a more modern and functional space for learning and socializing.
While Mason School was, first and foremost, an educational institution, it quickly became much more to the families it served. Over the years, the school hosted numerous community events and gatherings, making it a central part of life in the area. From social evenings and Christmas concerts to church services, Sunday school, and even weddings, the schoolhouse served as a gathering place for the entire community.
Mason School also played an important role during times of war. During the First and Second World Wars, the school building was used as an inoculation and vaccination centre, providing vital services to the local population. The school grounds were also utilized by Canada’s armed forces as a campsite during training exercises, providing a place for soldiers to rest and prepare before moving on to the next phase of their duties. A Time of Tragedy and Resilience
In 1949, tragedy struck when the barn that had been part of the school’s property was destroyed by fire. Despite this loss, the community rallied together, and within a few months, a new stable was built in September 1949. This resilience in the face of adversity was a testament to the strength of the community and its commitment to maintaining the school as a central part of their lives .
However, the changing times eventually caught up with Mason School. By the mid-1960s, it became evident that the small, rural school could no longer meet the needs of the community. In June 1965, the school closed its doors, and by April 1973, Mason School had consolidated with the Invermay District. The building was sold to the Velichka family, who would go on to repurpose the structure for other uses. A Monument to the Past
Though the school itself is no longer a place of learning, the legacy of Mason School lives on. In 1985, the community came together to honor the history and contributions of the school by installing a school marker monument and a replica of the schoolhouse at the site. This marker serves as a reminder of the school’s role in shaping the community and the lives of those who attended it.
The Mason School District #2449 stands as a testament to the pioneering spirit, resilience, and community strength that characterized rural Saskatchewan life. For decades, the school served not just as a place of learning, but as a gathering place for social, cultural, and civic activities. From its humble beginnings in the Turner home to its final days as a consolidated part of the Invermay District, Mason School holds a cherished place in the history of the area.
Today, the legacy of Mason School is preserved not only in the school’s marker and replica but in the stories and memories of those who lived through its history. Its impact continues to resonate, reminding us of the vital role that education, comm unity, and resilience play in shaping the future of rural communities.
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| Mason School District #2449, South east corner of the north east section 9 township 33 range 8 west of the 2nd meridian, Province Saskatchewan, Canada Saskatchewan Mason School District #2449, South east corner of the north east section 9 township 33 range 8 west of the 2nd meridian, Province Saskatchewan, Canada Saskatchewan Mason School District #2449, South east corner of the north east section 9 township 33 range 8 west of the 2nd meridian, Province Saskatchewan, Canada Saskatchewanby 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> |