Little Schools in the Parkland

The first Rosemoyne School District was organized and the first school built on the NW ¼ 11-43-4 W4 in 1915. The first classes began May 1, 1916.

The name chosen originally was Rosemary, for two of the daughters of our first secretary, Mr. Don Pawsey. On applying for the name it was found to have been given to another district so “Moyne” was substituted for “Mary” and the school became known as “Rosemoyne,” thus perpetuating the name of Nellie Rose Pawsey. Since no records are available, personal memories have been gleaned for almost all the data recorded. If there are errors – we are only human.

The first school board probably consisted of Mr. Don Pawsey, secretary- treasurer, a position he held for many years, and trustees Mr. Stewart Snyder, Mr. Sam Dempsey and Mr. James Taylor. The first enrolment was small and children four years old went to school to fill the required number necessary to open a school. We believe the following to be the first pupils present on that momentous day: Dick, Sam, Bob and May Bishop, Nellie and Mary Pawsey, Varner and Vera Dempsey, and Mary Taylor. Later that year we were joined by Francis Smalley and Iva Kimbill (Mrs. Tom Jackson).

Our first teacher was Miss Blanche Cox, a cousin of Mr. Charlie Fisher. She later married Mr. Wm. Rogers, a High School teacher in Edgerton, and still later became a candidate for the Provincial House. Other men and women to serve the community as teachers were: (not necessarily in this order) Miss MacKenzie, Miss Hazel Kerr (Mrs. Stanyer), Miss Douglas, Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Ptolmey, Miss Elwood, Miss Minere, Miss Watson, Miss Pearson, Miss Bullock, Miss Syme, Miss Gulley, Miss Barker, Miss Beatrice Wheeler, Miss Blanche Taylor, Miss G. Zojiac, and Mrs. Mary Whitby. For any left out, we apologize.

Our first school had a bell which could be heard throughout the district on most mornings – especially so the morning the first school caught fire and was destroyed. Some frolicsome persons had poked the outside air vent leading to the stove, full of paper, and it seems that for once, enough heat came from the “Old Waterbury” to kindle the paper. So away went the school. For a short time the classes were held in a granary where the pupils nearly froze to death. Much foot-stamping kept blood circulating. The second “Rosemoyne” School was eventually built and occupied by the various classes, until consolidation caught up with it – then the children were bussed to Edgerton. The school was first sold to Mr. And Mrs. C.G. Burton who lived there for a time. It is still on the original site and the property of Mr. And Mrs. Bill Read.

Among the interesting things of our school days were: the opening concert - at the close of the first term we had a fine concert. Visions of Mrs. Bill - castle Sr. perched on an apple barrel, her form draped in the Old Union Jack, depicting “Britannia,” is still vivid. Also, a poem, read by a student “Grandpa’s Lament” . . . here the old gentlemen was bewailing the goings-on of the younger generation – saying, “We no longer die a decent death. We just pass in our cheques.” So that long ago youth was being belaboured. Times do not seem to change – at least not in that respect. Another memorable item: Nellie Pawsey was sweet in a lovely dress, watering a flower from a cute little watering can as “The Flower of the Family.” Others too numerous to mention took place.

Another part of our school life was caring for the school garden. We each had a part in planting, watering and weeding it. Then if the rabbits, gophers and the neighbours’ cows left any plants to mature, we exhibited them at the school Fair in Edgerton. That was a grand day for the country “fry.”

Taken from “The Winds of Change”

It was a boon to the school when Mr. and Mrs. Albert Milne and their family moved across from the school. Mrs. Milne, who had come from a family of entertainers, gave valuable help with her fine voice for solos and choruses. She helped with concerts, picnics and visitor’s days. Mr. Milne helped many a boy and girl unravel the mysteries of mathematics, geometry and history.

One time Mrs. Milne attempted to teach us the “Sword Dance.” Time did not permit a long enough instruction so the results were disappointing to that ancient art of the highlands.

Rosemoyne School District No. 3249
submitted by Mary (Taylor) Whitby

87-88