Chapel School District # 588
SE 06 42 01 W5
Div 43 (38)

The first Chapel School was built of logs, with siding outside. It was constructed about 1904. There was an organ in the north west corner. Mice often crawled out from under the organ much to every ones enjoyment. There was a heater at the back of the room, which children always gathered around in cold weather.

The school was managed by a local board of three farmers, elected by the ratepayers of the district. They received no pay. They served voluntarily and were usually very conscientious. A few of the early teachers were Mrs. Ried, Mr. Saunders, Hannah Christiansen, Elsie Fowler, Anna Watson, Elizabeth Olson, Miss York, Faye Nicholson, (who also taught knitting), Nellie Ashley and George Manson.

A fine new school was built at Chapel in 1926. Mr. Frank Hewitt of Bentley was the carpenter. An acre of land was levelled for the school and grounds. A small barn was built at the north end of the yard. This was surrounded by another yard for wood, and trees for shelter. The old log house was bought by Jack Pringle, torn down, and hauled to his farm near Gull Lake. The lumber was used to build a house which is still standing

There was always a Christmas concert put on by the teacher and the pupils. Christmas presents, bags of popcorn, nuts and Japanese oranges were always handed out by Santa Claus.

The end of the year was celebrated with a community picnic which was well attended. Even those who had no children attending school were there.

In spring, as soon as it was dry, students played marbles. Other outdoor activities at this time of the year were drowning out gophers and ball games.

Following are some of the teachers who taught at Chapel School. Mr. Jack Manson, Faye and Nita Nicholson, Nellie Ashley, Pearl Raymond, Nellie Grant, Anna Watson, Elsie Fowler, Elsie Skocdopole, Clara Massing, Lorna Diggle, and Phyllis Rice.

Attendance was frequently heavy. In 1933 it reached forty- five and included five grade ten students. The following year a rural high school was opened, at Forshee, which eased the load. Later, in 1944, there were forty- three pupils in eight grades. The following year the first "School Bus" a large car, was operated between Forshee and Rimbey taking to town all those students who lived nearer to the highway than to Chapel School.

Chapel School was closed in 1953 and all the pupils were bused to either Bentley or Rimbey. The school building was sold to Otto Heileman who converted it into a lovely home.