Culture & Events — 18 August 2010
Jim and Judy McArthur have taken on a project of monumental proportions and don’t regret it for a second.
The old Shallow Lake School, also known as the Rice Lake School had come to the end of its life and needed a new home.
The McArthur’s have taken on the project of restoring and maintaining the old school, and given it a forever home.
The school was originally built in 1924, after being purchased by the citizens of Zealand Township from T Eaton Company.
With only one teacher, teaching grades one through eight, the one-room schoolhouses were built to meet the needs of rural children from across the countryside.
The ceilings were built very tall in those days, as the Ontario Department of Education required at least 250 cubic feet of airspace per student. It was cheaper to build up, than out.
The school was opened in the fall of 1924, and approximately 20 students from grades one to eight were taught by Miss Mary Maitland.
At that time, teachers were asked to be single and most boarded at the home of the McArthur family.
Teachers were kept on close watch in those days, as they had to be good influences on the children. Smoking, dating and drinking were not permitted of the professionals.
The first wedding took place in the school in 1930, with many other events to follow including showers, board meetings, dances, and Christmas concerts.
Due to the increasing population, the school was forced to close its doors permanently in 1960, and served as a community hall for a short time after.
Following the airport expansion project, the Shallow Lake School came to its final resting place only three miles away on Highway 601.
By Ally Dunham
Share
Related Articles
Related News
Groundwork has started once again at the new soccer complex in north Dryden as a fourth soccer field will be added to the park.
The fourth field is just one more ...
READ MOREDue to the highway closure east of Kenora, the papers have not arrived for Wednesday, January 11. The road advisory states an eight hour approximation for highway closure, so please ...
READ MORECool – In loving memory of Tammy – April 7, 1976-December 20, 2008.
God saw that you were getting tired,
And a cure was not to be.
So He wrapped His arms around ...
READ MORESaturday, June 26th
Community Garage Sales 7am-noon see ckdr.net for listings
MooseFest Booksale 8am to 11am Dryden Library
Cloverbelt Farmer’s Market 9am to noon Oxdrift Hall
Sandy Ferguson Exhibit 9am– 5pm Dryden Museum
The ...
READ MORE
When you're out on the lake this summer, be on the lookout for red rectangular boxes floating on the water's surface. The Ministry of Natural Resources are doing some testing ...
READ MOREBy Ally Dunham
Kenora District Services Board (KDSB) is launching their new communication plan including a re-branding strategy of a new logo and tagline.
The KDSB board of directors approved the new ...
READ MORE
REALINI – Tara, July 19, 1970 – July 16, 2008.
Today brings back sad memories of a sad and bitter blow
That was cast upon our family three years ago.
God gave us ...
READ MORE
John Potter passed away on Monday, May 2nd at home with his family by his side.
John was born to Frank and Ester Potter and lived in Eton Rugby and Oxdrift.
He ...
READ MORE
Helen passed away at Princess Court after a brief illness. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Alfred of 62 years; son Doug (Lynda) of Winnipeg, daughter Joanne (Ted) ...
READ MOREAbout Author
Ally Dunham
(0) Readers Comments
Latest Classified Ads
- Dental Assistant/ReceptionistPart time or Full time person needed to work at a dental office in Dryden and do both assisting and... [Click the title for the full listing] […]
- minnow businessContact phone # is 807/222-3586 or gary@lacseulwalleye.com [Click the title for the full listing] […]
- Complete turn-key Minnow trapping businessComplete minnow business with 4 adjoining minnow blocks, with 20 or so TRAIL accessable lakes and... [Click the title for the full listing] […]
- Account ManagerTIME Limited has over 40 years of experience as a manufacturer and distributor to the mining,... [Click the title for the full listing] […]
- Planner Co-ordinatorRES Equipment Sales has an opening for a mechanical shop planner co-ordinator in our Mining... [Click the title for the full listing] […]
