Between 1900 and 1920, the immigration policies of Clifford Sifton resulted in massive immigration of the west. During this time, the Department of Education of the North West Territories (which included present day Saskatchewan) organized schools at the rate of one per day! This gave rise to the Saskatchewan Pioneer Slogan - "A New School Everyday for Twenty Years".
During the "roaring Twenties", school teachers taught 8 subjects, 10 grades and an average of 60-70 children! The janitor, teachers, or older students would have an early start to school to light the stove and warm the school house. The Dirty Thirties and resulting depression placed many school houses in disrepair due to lack of finances. In 1932, 90% of schools were one room schools.
The Second World War led to a shortage of labour for repairs once the economy started becoming more prosperous again. About 1,000 school districts closed during this time as many wives and children moved to urban areas or to parent homes and the family size decreased to 2-3 children per family.
The 1944 School Act introduced uniformity of education and larger school consolidation. Free transportation was introduced and with larger farm sizes, families began living in urban centers and travel to the rural farm. By 1960, 8 out of 10 rural schools have closed. Large centers and composite schools bring students in by bus from 15-20 miles away as roads and travel has improved and school transportation is free.
Brada School was built in 1919 for a total cost of $8,164.00. The school opened in January 1920. Due to only three students in the district, the school closed in 1951 but re-opened in 1953 when some East Hill students were transferred to Brada. the school remained open until 1964 when the school was closed permanently. All students were bused to Battleford or North Battleford.
In 1965, the building was relocated to Acton in the Whitkow district due to a fire that destroyed the Acton school. When the Acton school closed, the building was bought to be used as a farm shop in the area.
You are looking for a nano-sized cache at the spot commemorating the site of Brada School. Enjoy the hunt and reminder of how schooling has changed over the past century.