The Krivoshein Oscar Lake Bohdan school heritage committee organized and hosted the fifth annual heritage day and school reunion July 23 at the original Oscar Lake school site located northeast of Hafford.
Oscar Lake School, located within the Rural Municipality of Meeting Lake, was designated Municipal Heritage Property September 14, 2005. The property features a one-storey, wood-framed school completed in 1932.
A school was originally constructed on this property in 1912 and was used for educating children and community functions including local meetings, fundraisers and socials. This first school operated until 1930 when it perished in a fire. Soon after, the present day building was constructed on the site and remained open until 1966 when the students began being bussed to schools in nearby communities.
The heritage value of the property includes the building's architecture, which is typical of the one-room schools of its era. "Characteristically, the school features a hip roof and an east elevation window wall. Its rectangular form allowed the interior space to be configured into a large open schoolroom. Exterior elements that contribute to the historic integrity of the school's architecture include its wood-frame construction and stucco-clad exterior," states the website.
Roy Loshack, former Oscar Lake student, welcomed everyone to the festivities and acknowledged the local musical performers who entertained the audience all afternoon. Of the 100-plus individuals in attendance, many were former students of local rural schools and enjoyed the opportunity to reminisce and renew old acquaintances. There were many stories told about the 'good ol' days', the walk to school, the chores and the mischievous antics of the boys.
Andrew Sendecki and Elizabeth Muranetz, former students, were bestowed the honour of raising the flag and leading the singing of O Canada. Emily Samcoe recited the Lord's Prayer as part of the opening ceremony.
A series of photographs were taken of students from this school as well as the neighbouring rural schools of Lancaster, Sich, Lorenzo and Alberton. Mrs. Mary Puto, a former teacher, led visitors into the one-room schoolhouse and explained the process and procedure of how daily lessons were held as well as the various chores that students had before, during and after school hours.
The evening concluded with a barbecue hamburger supper complete with all the fixings.
Plans are underway for the commemorative event honouring the original school's 100th anniversary in 2012.
