Blueberry Mountain

Blueberry Mountain was first settled in 1919, by veterans returning from the war and homesteaders from Saskatchewan. 

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

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

To learn more about the history of Moonshine Lake, see History Bytes Features Moonshine Lake.