Blueberry Mountain

It was first settled in 1919 by homesteaders from Saskatchewan and veterans returning from the war. The unofficial ‘mayor of Bluberry Mountain’ is local Bison Farmer and Hunting guide Sam Hampton.

According to Estella Esselink’s record in The Big Bend, Blueberry Mountain School began here in 1929, with Miss Jean Walker, teacher. Minutes of a trustees meeting June 20, 1931 record the reappointment of W.M. Wood as chairman and Mrs. Minnie Wood, secretary/treasurer.

Teachers in the 1930s include Miss Walker, Miss Yoder, Miss Comer and Miss Jones, Helen Boadway, Irene Schieck and E.V. Coykendall. In 1933, the board requested from the Department of Education a list of teachers willing to accept positions at an annual rate of $500. due to their poor financial position. Attendance figures often determined when school would close and the teacher often was asked to make the decision. By 1936, one student was attending Spirit River School and the district paid her tuition.

A new school and barn was built in 1937 on land donated by Mr. Dewey Keebler. The work was accomplished over a number of years and many families contributed labour in exchange for payment on back taxes owing. Teachers in the 1940s included Irene Godberson, Louise Martin, Betty Hopkins, Olive G. Holmberg, Hattie Carder, Dorothy Lilge, Madge.Smyth, Miss Carvell. In the 1950s teachers included Melba Cyr, Joan Bayers, Stella Brett, Estella Esselink, Mr. W. G. Marles, William Konapelka, Melba Peg and Mrs. Maxwell.

Note: For an interesting piece on the history of Moonshine lake see History Bytes Features Moonshine Lake.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blueberry_Mountain,_Alberta

https://southpeacearchives.org/finding-aids/blueberry-mountain-school-district-4106-fonds/

 Have any stories or information you want to share about our history? Just drop us a line at communications@saddlehills.ab.ca.

With thanks to the South Peace Regional Archives

South Peace Regional Archives began operating in January 2000 as a project of the Grande Prairie Museum and a member of the Archives Society of Alberta. On July 30, 2007 the South Peace Regional Archives Society was formed.

All persons interested in having a voice in the preservation of archival records in the South Peace Country of Alberta are encouraged to become members.

_____

Preserving Our History – Telling Our Stories

SPRA is a charitable organization. We welcome your donations through CanadaHelps.org