Where Are The Old Schools?

Readers of The ATA Magazine are asked to help with the establishment of a visual archive of the province’s early country schools. Many of these historic buildings are abandoned and deteriorating. Before time, neglect and the elements claim them completely, it is hoped that a photographic record can be compiled. Send information to Tim Johnston, Editor, The ATA Magazine, by post, telephone or e-mail (tim.johnston@ata.ab.ca).

Cash Creek School
The school, built in 1913, was the first one built in the Ellscott/Boyle area. It is located on Township Road 642, Range Road 205. —Photo courtesy of Joan Alexander

Millet School
The original Millet School building was constructed in 1930 on the existing site within the Town of Millet, Highway 2A, directly south of Leduc. Additions were completed in phases; 1954, 1959 and 1965 with a complete facility modernization in 1989. In 1984, the addition of a library complex joined the facility to the Griffiths Scott Middle School through a common annex. The school facility continues to be owned and operated by Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools and serves the town and surrounding area as a K–4 school.—Photo courtesy of Lynn Croft, Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools

Abee School, School District 4875
The school, located in the hamlet of Abee, operated as a three-room school until 1958. It was sold to Abee St. Andrews United Church in 1961.—Photo courtesy of Arno Schmidt

Birchfield School
The school is located on the northwest corner of NW33-62-19-W4. The school’s last year of operation was 1956. It was used as a church but now appears to be used for storage.—Photo courtesy of Arno Schmidt

Battle Bend School District 1765
The school operated from 1908–1947. It is located 19 kilometres east of Alliance and is used as a community centre.—Photo courtesy of Donna Smith and Doug Wold

Argyle School District 1657
The school operated from 1908–1947. It is located six kilometres east and three kilometres north of Alliance and is used for grain storage.—Photo courtesy of Donna Smith and Doug Wold