The
first Chapel School. built in 1905, was constructed of logs covered with
siding.
Invited to share their memories, former pupils re-called clustering around
a long log-burning stove on cold days, sitting in double desks, and writing
on slates. They remembered the literary society to which the adults belonged.
It met regularly in the school and provided the district with entertainment
and relaxation. Those whose efforts were best remembered were Alfonso
Mack with his violin, Bill Gunnell. and Bob Hardy. Ronald Gunnell remembered
seeing a teacher lose her cool, reach into the piano bench, and take out
a bundle of switches which she wore out over the backs of a couple of
big boys who were enjoying themselves in a double desk. One of the offenders
decided that his education was complete and left school. Teacher Faye
Nicholson taught the girls knitting, and another teacher, Nellie Ashley
came from Calgary.
ln 1926 a fine new school was built. It was much larger than the old school
and had a full size base-ment, two large cloak rooms, and a furnace. It
was probably one of the finest rural schools in central Alberta. The old
log school was bought by Mr Jack Pringle, torn down, and hauled to his
farm near Gull Lake. The lumber was used to build a house.
Attendance was frequently heavy. In 1933 it reached 45 and included 5
grade 10 students. The following year a rural high school was opened.
at Forshee, which eased the load. Later, in 1944 there were 43 pupils
in 8 grades. The following year the first "school bus', a large car, was
operated between Forshee and Rimbev taking all students who lived nearer
to the highway than to the school, to town.
The Chapel school was closed in 1953 and all the pupils were bussed to
either Bentley or Rimbey. The building was sold to Mr. Otto Heileman who
converted it into the lovely home. |
