In 1926 Mart McMahon donated land for a school hence the
name. It was one room with an added cloakroom, a barn, two
outhouses and a coal shed between them. There was a
large play area for ball games and some swings.

Some of the students rode horses (Smiths, Gerard Hickey,
Jorgensons) but most walked even in the coldest weather.
Miss Glasser boarded at Patchings and she would come
charging down the road on her white steed.

The teachers usually "boarded" with one of the families.
Most stayed at Harold Hudsons, Miss Tapley lived with her
sister in the Wocknitz house. Izzy Smeaton and Maxine
Ditto boarded at McMahons.

One of the older pupils was usually the janitor. The duties
consisted of cleaning the blackboards and brushes,
sweeping, the floor every day and it had to be mopped
several times a year. Keep the fire going and bring in a
pail of water for drinking.

The families attending the school over the years were
Robinson - they moved in 1928 off the farm the McMahons
moved onto - Jorgensons, Patchings, McMahons, Harold
Hudsons, Les Hudsons, Smiths, Hickey, Hydechuks, and
Strands.

The teachers were: 1926-27 ?; 1927-28 ?; 1928 - 29,
1929-30, and 1930-31 Dorothy Roberts. 1931-36 Dorothy
Glasser; 1936-37 Muriel Tapley, 1937-38 Dorothy Wocknitz,
1940-41 Izzy Smeaton; 1941 for a few weeks Goldie
Kittleson, and 1941-42 Maxine Ditto. Then the school
closed In 1944 Jim McMahon and Ed Patching each
on a tractor moved the McMahon School over to some
property near McNally School. It was to be used as a
teacherage but nothing was ever done with it. Years
later the land reverted back to the McMahon family.
George had bought the section it was on so Jack took
care of everything.

Things We Remember

When a pupil had a birthday, treats were brought to school.
Verna McMahon always brought a big freezer of ice cream
with the cake.

In 1935 Eugene McMahon and Donna Smith danced the
Highland Fling in costume. The program was always
followed by a visit from Santa with treats for all. Bill
Robinson made an excellent Santa.

At Christmas all schools put on programs with every
student taking part. We alternated nights with Wilson
School so we could attend both. At Wilson School
the Sickles twins (Earl and Myrle) put on some very
dramatic performances.

On Valentine's Day we would have a big decorated
box at the front of the room and everyone would put
their valentines in it. Patchings were especially
good at making up rhymes. Most cards were home
made with students spending hours working on them.
On Valentines Day two pupils were chosen to
distribute the cards. There was always a lot of
laughing and teasing over who gave what and to
whom!

The schools were the focal point of many community
activities, with card parties, dances and socials attended
by whole families. The babies slept on coats in a corner.
There was something for every age group.

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