This cache is a magnetic nano. There is an approach nearby for parking, A short walk along the fence will get you there. Bring your writing stick.
This article was written by my father and aunt and is in the Oyen History Book " Many Trails Crossed Here" Volume 1.
Fairacres 2585 took it's name from the post office opened in the home of Mrs. Cora Nelson. Mrs. Nelson had thought of the name while looking out of her kitchen window across the green hills of the homestead. A number of local men worked to build the school on Section 26-29-4-4.
Classes began in 1911.Marie Ihde was the first teacher and for many years after she had a strong voice in running the schooland in the social life of the district. Pupils the first year included: Nellie Affleck, Howard, Mildred and Clifford Cates, Annie Caldwell. Flora Cunningham, Bessie Braman, Evelyn, Rachel and Edith Earing.
For the next years the school house was the social centre. There was an active UFA group, a loosely organized church congregation and it was the voting place for provincial and federal elections and the scene of many plays, dances and debates. The Christmas concert was the high point of most years. Once there was a near tragedy. Viola Klassen, a little girl who had just started to school, brushed past the tree that was lighted with candles. Her dress caught fire and she screamed and began to run. The tree branches caught fire and blazed up to the ceiling. John Ihde caught the little girl, threw her down and smothered the fire with his coat while Charlie Gillespie dragged the burning tree outside. The next year Harry Austen rigged up a string of lights made of old car light bulbs and powered by a car battery.
Marie Ihde taught until 1929 and was followed by Mildred Cates, Marie Bakken, Olga Bakken and Catherine Wright. During the later years finacing was difficult and the teachers often had to wait for part of their salaries but eventually all of them were paid.
By 1937 every family northof the school had moved away and the enrollment had dropped so it was decided to join with the two neighbouring districts, Nebalta and Glenada. So the final school board, chairman Dave Warwick, secretary Gilbert McKinstry and trustee Charlie Gillespie turned over the management to the Acadia School Division. The building was moved from the original location on section 26 to a new spot on the Warwick farm on section 14.
Fairacres school closed in 1944 and still stands today.