Orbindale School District No. 1723
The Orbindale School District #1723 was named after the first two
school-age boys who came to the district – Orbin Sproule and Dale
Johnston. Mr. Sproule Sr., Mr. Johnston and Mr. Coultman Sr. were mainly
responsible for organizing and erecting the school in 1909. James Craig
Sr. was engaged as carpenter and the school, located on the NE ¼ 21-47-
8 W4, opened Jan 1, 1910. Since this was the first school in township 47,
children came several miles to attend.
Some of the first pupils to attend were Freddie Stephenson, Roy Moulton, Bruce Osterhout, Dale Johnston, Irskin Kail, Orbin Sproule, Lester Brown and his brother, Stan and Gar Coultman, Sherman and Freeman Prosser, and Vera and Royden Chrysler.
Miss Marshall was the first teacher. Others who taught were: Mr. Chippmen, Miss DeMille, Mr. Purden, Mr. Green, Miss Parsons, Mr. Baggs Mr. Bruce, Miss Osterland, Miss Hurlbert, Miss Briggs, Mr. Barkwell, Miss Gunston, Mrs. DeTro, Miss Hart, Miss Murray, Miss McLeod, Miss Atkinson, Miss McLean, Mr. Gunn, Miss Frederking, Miss Jackson, Miss Horn, Miss Fucsko, Miss Erickson, Miss Fath and Mrs. Ballentine.
In the 1950’s when teachers were scarce, Miss Yvonne Carter and Miss Betty Prior supervised at Orbindale. Many of the teachers taught for only six months, but Mr. Donald Gunn and Miss Jean McLean each taught for a period of five and one half years. Members of the school board were: Mr. Sproule Sr., Mr. Johnston Sr., Mr. Coultman Sr., Mr. A. Barker, Mr. William Prior, Mr. A. Lymburner, Mr. R. Marquis, Mr. M. Wallhund, Mr. E. Guy, Mr. E. Prior, Mr. S. Coultman, Mr. J. Meyer, Mr. M. Prosser, Mr. T. Prior, Mr. L. Savage, and Mr. F. Keller.
The Orbindale school was closed in June 1954, when the children were bussed to Albert Centralized School. The Tri-Way Organization bought the school with the intention of joining it with other schools for a community center. Erle and Ron Prior bought the building in 1971, and moved it to Ron’s yard, where it is used as a shop. Margaret (Shotts) Clifford of Wainwright attended Orbindale School for one year.
Orbindale School District No. 1723
from “Down Memory Lane”
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