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Pickwell Traditional Cache

Hidden : 11/18/2016
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

This takes you down some lonely country roads south-east of Wawota, Sask. to the location of the former Pickwell School, school district #1416. It's located on the SE of section 12-10-34 W1st where an acre of land was sold to the school district for $20 by William Pickwell, thus the school was named Pickwell. You seek a camoed pill bottle.


In 1906, $800 was borrowed for the material to erect the 18 by 24 foot school and out-buildings. The lumber was hauled from Moosomin and the school was built in 1906. The first teacher was Miss Ella Sweet from Quebec. She lived with the Pickwell's until she meet Dick Morgan, got married and left the area.

In 1930 a new more modern 24 by 24 foot school was built. It remained as a focal point for the district hosting many social events, sports and chruch services until it's closure in 1964 when the students were bused to Wawota.

I found it interesting to see how the teachers salaries varied over the years. Miss Sweet earned $319 for teaching from July to December in 1906. Yes, they started by running this school year through the summer months. 1907 saw pay of $52.50 per month, up to $70 a month by 1918. By 1930 it was $1200 for the year but dropped to $800 by 1931 and down to only $450 per year from 1933 to 1937. By 1949 the teacher received $1300 per year, 1954 saw it increase up to $2400.

Mrs. Jean Walker was the last teacher here and the school was sold to Charlie Kirk who moved it to his farm south of Wawota. Today nothing remains at this location other then a sign and memories.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Fueho.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)