pamela forsyth

Woodnorth (Manitoba) Consolidated School #1533 Board Minutes 1918 to 1920

Background:  

To preserve the records of the Woodnorth Manitoba School Board, the Minutes (regular meetings and Annual Meetings) and the Ledgers of Accounts are posted on this website.  There are several books, covering the period from 1918 to the 1950s so I have split them into sections of about three to five years so they are easier to acccess. The hand writing is quite clear and usually legible when written in ink but at times the recorder used a light pencil and it is more difficult to decipher. To assist readers I have transcribed the records and placed them before the photographed  images of the original pages in each section.

The meetings seem to have been held on an as-needed basis rather than on a regular schedule so sometimes there are fairly large gaps between meetings.

After completion of the filming and transcription of the records in 2020 I donated the original Minute Books (covering the period 1918 to the end of 1951) and my transcription of them to the Manitoba Provincial Archives in Winnipeg where anyone may consult them.

The Archives did not want to take the Ledgers of Accounts so they are only available here. The Ledgers provide an interesting insight into the day to day expenses of the School and its Board and are also a record of the names and monthly salaries of the teachers employed over the years that the school operated.

Thanks to Grant Shoemaker, also a former student at Woodnorth, and whose father A.E. Shoemaker (1915-1988) was a School Board Trustee, for preserving the Minute Books and Account Books and passing them on to me for this project.

~Pamela Forsyth

Anyone interested in more GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT WOODNORTH, including a number of photos of school classes, other people, buildings, and community events may want to click through to another secion of this website:

WOODNORTH, Manitoba, Canada

First School:

The first Woodnorth School, one room with fourteen students and a teacher, Miss H.J. Haw, was established in 1910. This information comes from the community history “Trails Along the Pipestone”, page 724, which also includes a photograph of the class and teacher. The Minutes from that time are not in my possession so they are not included here. The list of “Receipts and Expenditures” is, however, and is included on the website along with the expenditures of later years.

The School Inspector’s report, dated Oct 19, 1915, a single sheet enclosed in one of the Minute Books was preserved. It is addressed to the Secretary of the School Board at the time, Donald Cameron (1878-1941), a farmer in the area (and my maternal grandfather):

Transcription of the Inspector’s Report:  “Sir, You are requested to communicate to the Trustees the following remarks respecting the result of my official visit to your school on the above date: Enrolled 28 – present 18. You have a full school now and when the older pupils come in for the winter Miss Martin will have a very heavy school. The School cannot afford to do High School and I have reported to the Department against it. Miss Martin continues to do good work in the school. The several subjects are receiving due attention. The discipline is good. I see the remnants of a fine garden. The caretaking of the school is poor. Surely this can be improved. I note that one closet has been moved. This is good. Yours truly, A. J. Hatcher.”

School Consolidation

A few years after this report a neighbouring school to Woodnorth, Daybreak, burned down and the two comunities decided to consolidate their schools. A new School Board was formed, the Woodnorth Consolidated School #1533. Below are the Minutes from the first meeting on July 31, 1918 and continuing through two old Minute Books to the end of 1951.  The school expanded over time to three rooms as more students enrolled, eventually offering grades one through eleven. The Minutes trace that progression. The Minutes and Account books also combine to offer a complete list of the teachers who worked at the Woodnorth School from 1910 through 1952.

Woodnorth School ceased to operate in June 1968. Students from the area have since then been bused to Virden schools, some fourteen miles distant. I do not know where the Minutes from those last years 1952 – 1968 are located but hope that they have been deposited with the Department of Education or the Manitoba Provincial Archives.

The Trustees serving at the initial meeting on July 31, 1918 of the Woodnorth Consolidated School #1533  were: 

• John Henry STEPHENSON (1858-1945) – Chairman
• Joseph Pattinson RICHARDSON (1881-1950) – Secretary Treasurer
• Edward Albert MOONEY (1876-1928)
• Donald Duncan CAMERON (1878-1941)
• Walter Ridgeway PALMER (1886-1919) [no photo available]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The School Board was soon to lose one of its members to the Spanish influenza epidemic. At the meeting of March 17, 1919 a motion was passed that the Secretary write a letter of condolence to Mrs Walter Palmer in her recent bereavement. Mr. Palmer had died on March 8, 1919. In the Woodnorth news section of the Virden Empire Advance newspaper, a few weeks after that date, is reported a “funeral service for Walter R. Palmer in Woodnorth Methodist Church Sunday May 4th (he was a fifteen year resident of Woodnorth). He had been a member of the Building Committee, assisted in planning and erection of the Church and was much interested in the building of the parsonage. As a Trustee of the new consolidated school he attended the annual convention in Winnipeg where the epidemic, which resulted so fatally, seems to have been contracted”. He was only 32 years old and left an elderly mother, his young widow, two children, and a third to be born a few months later. That the funeral service was about two months after his death was probably because of  restrictions on gatherings due to the epidemic. [It seems ironic that I am typing this information 101 years later in a time of social isolation in the midst of another pandemic, that of Covid-19.]

TRANSCRIPTION  of Woodnorth School Board Minutes: 31 July 1918 to end of 1920

Note: I decided to post the transcription first, followed by the scans of the Minutes. I think that the typed transcription is a bit easier to read but anyone who wishes to see the actual Minutes in their hand written form can scroll past the typed version.

The hand written Minutes were not done in bullet points and the meetings were not numbered as I have done in part of the typed version. This was done simply because it made it easier for me to keep track of them as I was transcribing. It is difficult to proofread one’s own work so I expect readers will notice a few errors  – my apologies in advance. ~ Pamela Forsyth.

ADDITIONAL NOTE:  Although the filmed pages of the RATEPAYERS’ ANNUAL MEETINGS are in a separate section of this website, I decided to intersperse a copy of  the transcriptions of these meetings with the regular Board Meetings because this does show the election of new Board members or special circumstances.

1918

First ANNUAL MEETING of Woodnorth Consolidated School District #1533 held in the School Room evening 22nd July 1918 at 8pm.

• M/S J.H. Stephenson/ D.D. Cameron that R.H. Mooney take the Chair. Carried.

• M/S DD Cameron/ W Cochrane that JP Richardson act as Secretary of the meeting. Carried.

• Meeting addressed by Inspector Beveridge on the importance of School Consolidation and how to proceed. Address appreciated.

• M/S  John Matthewson/Fred Milburn that EA Mooney be nominated as Trustee.

• M/S JH Stephenson/ J Cochrane that DD Cameron be nominated Trustee.

• M/S J Matthewson/ W Leech that J H Stephenson be nominated Trustee.

• M/S JW Burton/ W Cochrane that JP Richardson be nominated a Trustee.

• M/S J Brickly/ J Matthewson that Walter Palmer be nominated Trustee.

• M/S JP Richardson/ J Matthewson that nominations be closed. Carried.

• M/S  JW Burton/ SS Colter that G.A. Dakin be appointed a Ratepayers’Auditor.

• On ballot being taken EA Mooney and DD Cameron were elected Trustee for 3-year Terms. J.H. Stephenson & JP Richardson for two-year term, Walter Palmer for one-year term. 

• Meeting Adjourned.

• [Signed]  R.H. Mooney  Chairman,  Donald D. Cameron, Secretary.

Woodnorth School Board Minutes

1      31 July 1918

Minutes  – First meeting of Trustees Woodnorth Consolidated School #1533 held in the School Room 31st July 1918.  

Present. J.H. Stephenson, E.A.Mooney, D.D.Cameron, Walter Palmer & J.P. Richardson.

• Moved by E.A.Mooney & Seconded by J.P. Richardson, that J.H. Stephenson be elected Chairman. Carried. 
• M/S  D.D.Cameron/W. Palmer, that J.P. Richardson be appointed Secretary Treas. Carried.
• All Trustees took Oath of Office & placed signed declaration with Secretary Treasurer.
• M/S  D.D.Cameron/ E.A. Mooney, that the Expenditure be applied for as levied. Carried.
• M/S  E.A.Mooney/W. Palmer, that the Secretary be authorized to secure the necessary Books, etc. Carried.
• M/ S  W. Palmer /E.A.Mooney, that the secretary phone E.N.Moyer Ltd School Supplies. Carried.
• M/S  E.A.Mooney/J.H. Stephenson, that the Secretary Treasurer secure the following Grant from Council:  Salaries, $1600; Sinking Fund $100; Interim debentures $78; Furnishings & Repairs $200; Transportation $1000; Fuel $150; Sundries $150. Copy of levy attached. Carried
• Meeting adjourned.

 [Signed] J.P. Richardson, Sec. Treas. & J.H. Stephenson, Chairman

2       8 Aug 1918

Minutes of meeting held in School 8th August 8 PM

Present. All Trustees. Minutes of last meeting read & adopted as read.

• M/S  E.A. Mooney/D.D. Cameron, that we accept the application of the Misses Westernsons (sp?) of Principal & Assistant subject to approval Dept of Education. Carried.
• M/S  J.P. Richardson/W. Palmer, that the School accounts be placed with the Union Bank of Canada, Virden. Carried.
• M/S  E.A. Mooney/D.D.Cameron that the Secy Treas be instructed to deal with Mr. Wm Brough in purchasing of Hall for 2nd School & to offer him $800 cash with the privilege of taking out petitions. Carried.
• Meeting then adjourned.  

[Signed]  J.P. Richardson, Secretary Treasurer, J.H. Stephenson,

3       13 Aug 1918 .  Minutes of meeting held in School 13th August 1918.

All trustees present.  Minutes of last meeting read and adopted as read.

M/S  E.A.Mooney/D.D. Cameron, that we order from E.N. Moyer the following supplies – 20 Desks, Teacher’s desk, Chair, Globe & other necessary supplies. Carried.

M/S  J.P. Richardson/D.D.Cameron that the Trustees borrow up to $1000 to meet current expenses. Carried.

M/S  J.P. Richardson/W.Palmer that the Van Routes as mapped out by Trustees be approved & advertised for drivers. Carried.

Meeting adjourned.  [signed] J.P. Richardson, Secretary Treasurer, and J.H. Stephenson, Chairman.

4 31 Aug 1918

Minutes of meeting held in School 31 August 1918. All Trustees except W. Palmer present. Minutes of last meeting read and adopted as read.

Tenders for Van Routes opened and tabled for present.

M/S  EA Mooney/DD Cameron, that the Chairman and Secretary Treasurer be authorized to draw down funds as required.

M/S  DD Cameron/EA Mooney that Bylaw No. 1 borrowing $1000 for current expenses be passed. Carried.

M/S EA Mooney/JP Richardson, that we purchase School Van from York School District for $125 & that the Secretary Treasurer be instructed to pay same. Carried.   Copy of ByLaw attached.

Meeting then adjourned. [Signed] JP Richardson Secretary Treasurer & JH Stephenson Chairman.

5 4 Oct 1918

Minutes of meeting held in the School Friday evening 4 October 1918. All Trustees present. Minutes of last meeting read and adopted as read.

Letter from Inspector Beveridge giving school report read.

M/S EA Mooney/DD Cameron, that Jas. Taylor’s tender for NorthWest School Route be accepted the rate per day $5.25.  $100 to be retained as Contract Bond out of first month’s earnings. Carried

M/S  JP Richardson/W Palmer, that the Secretary Treasurer offer Wm McD? $3.75 per day to drive the North route. Carried

M/S  JP Richardson/DD Cameron, that we offer James Cochrane $3.50 for the driving of the South route. Carried.

M/S  EA Mooney/DD Cameron that Thomas Dexter’s offer to light fires and sweep schools for 75 cents per morning be accepted. Schools to be swept out in evening and to be at a temperature of 65 degrees at opening hour.

Meeting adjourned.

[signed] JP Richardson Sec. Treasurer, JH Stephenson, Chairman

6     25 Oct 1918

Minutes of meeting held in the school 25th October 1918.

Trustees all present. Minutes of last meeting read and adopted as read.

• M/S  DD Cameron/ W Palmer that Wm McDermaid be offered $4.00 for North Van Route. Carried.
• M/S  JH Stephenson/DD Cameron that we donate $15 to the Virden Boys & Girls Club. Carried.
• M/S  W Palmer/JP Richardson that the following accounts be paid: JP Richardson $58.25, Christies Bookstore $10.60, EN Moyer $150, Teachers $175. Carried.
• M/S  Walter Palmer/ DD Cameron that the Secretary Treasurer be instructed to arrange with Thomas Dexter about building water closets. Carried.
• M/S  J.H. Stephenson/JP Richardson that the Secretary write Brandon Tannery to get price of robes for sleighs, 6 full-sized ones. Carried. 
• Meeting Adjourned.

[signed] JP Richardson, Secretary Treasurer, JH Stephenson, Chairman

7        26 November 1918

Minutes of School meeting held in the Office of General Store, Tuesday 26th Nov 1918 in the afternoon (3 o’clock).

All Trustees present. Minutes of last meeting read and adopted as read.

• M/S  DD Cameron/W Palmer that the Secretary be instructed to get three sets sleighs for the School Routes, the sleighs to be of 2 inch runners. Carried.
• M/S JH Stephenson/W Palmer that DD Cameron & JP Richardson be appointed Committee to secure robes and foot warmers for Van Routes. Carried
• M/S JP Richardson/ DD Cameron that the Secretary write Councillor Mooney regarding scrub wanted to be cut on Van Routes to enable Vans to have as little trouble as possible. Carried
• M/S  DD Cameron/W Palmer that we purchase two new School Vans from EN Moyer Co., one to hold from 16 to 20 and the other about 24. Carried.
• M/S W Palmer/ DD Cameron that the following accounts be paid: F. Cameron coal $15.50; Quality Lumber Coal $13.25; T. Dexter water closets, etc. $75.50 & Frank Milburn Hardware $22.35. Carried. Meeting adjourned.

[signed] JP Richardson, Secretary Treasurer, JH Stephenson, Chairman

8        17 Dec 1918

Tuesday 17 Dec 1918. Trustee meeting held in the Office General Store. All members present. Minutes of last meeting read &adopted as read.

• M/S DD Cameron/EA Mooney that the following accounts be paid: Teachers salary $175, EN Moyer $154.93 & Debenture due $178. Carried.
• Meeting Adjourned.

[signed] JP Richardson, Secretary Treasurer, JH Stephenson, Chairman

1919

RATEPAYERS’ MEETING    27 January 1919

A meeting of School Trustees from the Laggan & Woodnorth Consolidated was held at the home of Mr. EA Mooney.  Valuation of the Daybreak School property was gone into. Present: CW Wedow, Wm McDonald, EA Mooney, JH Stephenson, DD Cameron, JP Richardson,

• M/S  JH Stephenson/Wm McDonald that CW Wedow take the Chair. Carried.
• M/S DD Cameron/JH Stephenson that JP Richardson be Secretary pro tem. Carried.
• M/S JP Richardson/ DD Cameron that the stable be sold to the Laggan School for $60 or failing this we accept Mr EA Mooney offer for like sum. Carried.
• Pump valued $12, Flag Pole $5, Site $15, Books $20, Maps $35. Balance in Bank at time school closed $133.37. Trustees unanimous in this valuation.

[signed ] JP Richardson Secretary Treasurer

9        28 Jan 1919

Minutes of School meeting held at the home of JP Richardson, JH Stephenson in the Chair. All Trustees present. Minutes of last meeting read and adopted as read.

• Valuation of old School District property was gone into and valued as follows:  The Buildings & like $1200, Desks & chairs $90, Furnace $50, Books, Maps & case, etc. $115. Balance in Bank at time School closed $337.45, There is also the municipal grant due for the first half of 1918 School term. School open 118 days.  Trustees unanimous in above estimation.
• M/S  EA Mooney/W Palmer that the Vans be lettered as follows: Woodnorth Consolidated School District #1533. Carried
• M/S DD Cameron/W Palmer that the following accounts be paid: C. Christie for Sleighs $119, Frank Milburn for Robes & foot warmers $171.60, Teachers salary $175. Carried.

[signed] JP Richardson, Secretary Treasurer, JH Stephenson, Chairman

10      8 Feb 1919 Woodnorth

Meeting of Trustees held in the Office of the General Store. All Trustees present. Minutes of last meeting read and adopted as read.

• Tenders for driving School Van Route No. 1 known as the Northwest route opened.
• M/S  DD Cameron/EA Mooney that Wm. Rattray’s tender be accepted to drive same for $5 per day. Carried
• M/S  W Palmer/EA Mooney that the following accounts be paid: Mrs Jas Taylor $52.50, Brot Whitney $52.50, Thomas Dexter $33.75. JP Richardson, Sundries $12.07, Quality Lumber Yards $40.15,Wm. McDermaid $100, James Cochrane $100. Carried
• M/S  DD Cameron/EA Mooney that the Secretary write the Principal about being punctual morning & evening & make point of seeing that the children are ready for Vans not later than 15 [minutes] after closing [school] house. Carried.

[signed] JP Richardson, Secretary Treasurer, JH Stephenson, Chairman

11      17 March 1919 Woodnorth

Minutes of School meeting held in new school, 4 o’clock, JH Stephenson in the Chair. Trustees EA Mooney, DD Cameron, & JP Richardson present.

• M/S DD Cameron/EA Mooney that the Secretary write Mrs W. Palmer and offer condolence in her present bereavement.

[ Transcriber’s Note: Trustee Walter Palmer died on March 8, 1919 from the flu pandemic. A report in the Virden newspaper noted that he had attended the School Trustees’ convention in Winnipeg and it was suspected that it was there that he contracted the fatal illness. The Palmers had been married for four years, had two children and a third was to be born in July. Walter Palmer was 32 years old.]

• Teachers asked to be present to discuss leaving of children during dinner hour. After discussing this agreed that someone must stay & supervise during noon hour .
• M/S JP Richardson/EA Mooney that Rev, J. Wilkins & Miss Rosenblat & DD Cameron be appointed  to act on the Committee of the Boys & Girls Club. Carried.
• M/S  DD Cameron/EA Mooney that the following accounts be passed for payment: Teachers’ Salary, Christies Bookstore, JP Richardson & Fred Cameron & R.A. Leslie. Carried.
• M/S DD Cameron/EA Mooney that the Secretary Treasurer call meeting of Ratepayers for the purpose of electing Trustee for balance of year 2 weeks from above date at 4 o’clock.

[signed] JP Richardson, Secretary Treasurer, JH Stephenson, Chairman

RATEPAYERS’ SPECIAL MEETING 31 March 1919   Woodnorth

Minutes of Special Meeting of Ratepayers held in New School on above date at 4 pm called on above date to appoint Trustee to take the place of the late Walter Palmer.

• M/S  JH Stephenson/J Matthewson that JW Burton be Chairman of Meeting. Carried.
• M/S J Matthewson/ H Whitney that DD Cameron be Secretary of meeting. Carried.
• M/S J Matthewson/ H Whitney that James Strachan be elected by acclamation to fill vacancy. Carried.
• M/S J Matthewson/W Hill that this meeting now adjourn.

[signed] R.H. Mooney, Chairman, Donald D Cameron , Secretary

 

12       16 April 1919 Woodnorth, Man.

Minutes of Meeting of Trustees held in new school at 4 o’clock p.m. All Trustees present.

• Mr James Strachan took Oath of Office. Minutes of last meeting read and adopted as read.
• Inspector’s report read and much appreciated. Mr. Beveridge met Trustees and suggested more blackboards be put up in old school and those already in be lowered, also pointed out the advantages of decorating and expressed wish that we have both Schools decorated at an early date.
• M/S DD Cameron/Jas Strachan that we ask Teachers to open School Wednesday morning the 23rd instead of Monday the 28th. Carried
• M/S  J Strachan/EA Mooney that the Secretary Treasurer pay the following accounts: W.Rattray $100, W McDermaid $100, Jas. Cochrane $100, Teachers Salary $350, T. Dexter $58, QualityLumber $41.80. Carried.
• Meeting Adjourned.

[signed] JP Richardson, Secretary Treasurer, JH Stephenson, Chairman

13      29 May 1919   Woodnorth, Man.

Minutes of meeting held in new School. Trustees all present. Minutes of last meeting read & adopted as read.

• Both teachers present & lodged complaint regarding conduct & language by the Leech children while at school.
• M/S that the Secretary write Wm Leech & warn him of same & ask guarantee of good conduct & unless same be forthcoming children will be expelled. Carried.
• M/S DD Cameron/EA Mooney that we borrow enough money to cover all outstanding debts. Carried.
• Meeting adjourned.

[signed] JP Richardson, Secretary Treasurer, JH Stephenson, Chairman

14        2 June 1919

Special meeting of Trustees called to meet Mr & Mrs Leech & Teachers also 3 of the Scholars to hear charges of mismanagement on the part of Teachers & misconduct on part of Pupils. After hearing Mrs Leech’s complaint & full discussion of same, the 3 scholars were called & fortunately for the future of our schools the charges were given complete contradiction.

[signed] JP Richardson, Secretary Treasurer, JH Stephenson, Chairman

15       13 June, 1919,  Woodnorth, Man

Minutes of Trustee meeting held in new school. Trustees all present. Minutes of last regular meeting and also of special meeting had & adopted as read.

• M/S DD Cameron/ J Strachan that the following amount be levied for taxes for the coming year. $5,197. Carried.
• Meeting Adjourned

[signed] JP Richardson, Secretary Treasurer, JH Stephenson, Chairman

16        27 June 1919, Woodnorth, Man.

Meeting of Trustees held in new school. Trustees all present. Minutes of last meeting read and adopted as read.

• M/S  J. Strachan/EA Mooney that the Secretary Treasurer write Rev. J.Wilkins and thank him for all he has done for the children while here. Carried
• M/S DD Cameron/EA Mooney that the Secretary Treasurer send advertisement to Free Press for 2 Teachers required. Carried.
• Meeting Adjourned.

[signed] JP Richardson, Secretary Treasurer, JH Stephenson, Chairman

17      12 July 1919 Woodnorth

Minutes of Trustee meeting held in new school. Saturday morning. All Trustees present. Moved and seconded that the Minutes of last meeting be adopted as read. Carried.

• M/S DD Cameron/J Strachan that By-law No. 2 borrowing $2500 to pay all outstanding accounts be passed. Carried.
• M/S  DD Cameron/J Strachan that the School Levy for outside pupils be $1.50 per month for higher grades and 75 cents for lower grades for year closed and for the coming year to be $2 per month for higher grades and $1 per month for lower grades. Carried.
• M/S DD Cameron/ EA Mooney that the Secretary Treasurer issue cheque for $25 to Hall Company for use of Hall. Carried.
• M/S EA Mooney/J Strachan that the Secretary Treasurer remit to Bank the $36 received as rent from  C. Christie [for] use of new school. Carried.
• M/S EA Mooney/DD Cameron that Miss Herkes be affirmed Principal at Salary of $1,000 and Miss Lang Assistant Teacher at $850 per annum. Carried.
• M/S/ DD Cameron/EA Mooney that the Secretary hold Miss Anderson & Miss Shier as second choice for Teachers should the ones first asked refuse. Carried.
• Meeting Adjourned.

[signed] JP Richardson, Secretary Treasurer, JH Stephenson, Chairman

18       Woodnorth  25 July 1919

Minutes of School  (?) over for  Minutes of New School .

Initialed – JP Richardson, Secretary Treasurer, JH Stephenson, Chairman

19  Woodnorth 9 August 1919

Minutes of Trustee meeting held in Office General Store Saturday night.

• Minutes of last meeting read and adopted as read.
• M/S JP Richardson/J Strachan that the North West VanRoute be given to HB Whitney @ $4.75 per school day. Carried
• M/S DD Cameron/JP Richardson that we accept Jas Cochrane’s offer of $3.75 for South Route. Carried.
• M/S JP Richardson/DD Cameron that the Tender of Stanley Calder be accepted for North Route @$4.50/day.
• M/S DDCameron/J Strachan that the Chairman Mr, JH Stephenson & the Secretary Treasurer JP Richardson be empowered to invest & draw all monies for School Year.
• Meeting Adjourned.

[signed] JP Richardson, Secretary Treasurer, JH Stephenson, Chairman

RATEPAYERS’ ANNUAL MEETING   July 21st 1919   Woodnorth, Man.

Minutes of annual meeting of Ratepayers of Woodnorth Consolidated School District #1533 held in new School on above date at 8 pm.

• M/S  JH Stephenson/ D Smith that R.H. Mooney be Chairman of meeting. Carried.
• M/S John Matthewson/ C Ritchie that DD Cameron be Secretary . Carried.
• M/S D Smith/J Matthewson that Minutes of last annual meeting & also those of Special Ratepayers meeting be adopted as read. Carried.
• Meeting addressed by Trustees.
• M/S GA Dakin/ D Smith that auditor’s report be adopted as read. Carried.
• M/S  R Swanton/ J Matthewson that GA Dakin be ratepayers’ auditor. Carried.
• M/S J Matthewson/ D Smith that a very hearty vote of thanks be accorded the trustees for the very satisfactory work accomplished during the year. Carried.
• M/S D Smith/ J Matthewson that J Strachan be elected Trustee for a three-year term. Carried.
• Meeting then adjourned.

[signed] R.H. Mooney, Chairman,  J Matthewson, Secretary Pro tem.

20        Woodnorth, Man. 7 October 1919

Minutes of School meeting held in new School Tuesday evening 8 pm. Trustees all present except J. Strachan.

• Minutes of last meeting read and adopted as read.
• M/S DD Cameron/EA Mooney that the Teachers & Secretary-Treasurer be authorized to pay children gopher bounty due.
• M/S EA Mooney/ DDCameron that the following accounts be paid: Frank Milburn work done $200 on account; Miss Herkes Salary $200; Miss Lang Salary $170; EN Moyers Co, Desks, etc. $148.70; Christies’ Bookstore $34 Drinking Tanks(or Taps?);
• GM Hendry $143.60 Science Material; Clifford Smith$10.15 Caretaking
• JP Richardson Sundries $57.24.
• M/S JP Richardson/DD Cameron that theSecretary Treasurer send cheque for $15 to Virden Boys & Girls Club. Carried.
• Meeting adjourned.

[signed] JP Richardson, Secretary Treasurer, JH Stephenson, Chairman

21        Woodnorth 3 November 1919

Minutes of School meeting held in the Office of General Store. 8PM. All present.

• Minutes of last meeting read and adopted as read.
• The matter of heating both Schools taken up and discussed thoroughly. M/S DD Cameron/EA Mooney that we make effort to get 2 new or 2 good second hand stoves for this purpose, Carried.
• Meeting adjourned.

[signed] JP Richardson, Secretary Treasurer, JH Stephenson, Chairman

22       Woodnorh, Man. 8 December 1919

Minutes of School Meeting held in the Office of General Store.

Trustees all present except J Strachan.

• Minutes of last meeting read and adopted as read.
• M/S  DD Cameron/EA Mooney that the following accounts be paid: J. Shoemaker for coal; SS Colter for coal; Teachers Salary; Van Drivers on contract; Christie’s Bookstore; Empire Advance, and Sundry (sp?)for Supplies. Carried
• M/S  EA Mooney/DD Cameron that we advertise for Teacher for Grades 1 to 4 inclusive. Carried.
• Meeting adjourned.

[signed] JP Richardson, Secretary Treasurer, JH Stephenson, Chairman

23       Woodnorth, Man.  20 Dec 1919

Minutes of School meeting held in Office of General Store Saturday 2 pm. Trustees all present.

• Minutes of last meeting read and adopted as read.
• M/S DD Cameron/Jas Strachan that we order Fire pot for Furnace. Carried.
• M/S  JP Richardson/James Strachan that we engage Miss E. McPheden at an annual salary of $900 to teach grades 1 to 4, duties to commence19th January 1920. Carried
• Meeting adjourned.

[signed] JP Richardson, Secretary Treasurer, JH Stephenson, Chairman

1920

RATEPAYERS’ SPECIAL MEETING:  27 January 1919

A meeting of School Trustees from the Laggan & Woodnorth Consolidated was held at the home of Mr. EA Mooney.  Valuation of the Daybreak School property was gone into. Present: CW Wedow, Wm McDonald, EA Mooney, JH Stephenson, DD Cameron, JP Richardson,

• M/S  JH Stephenson/Wm McDonald that CW Wedow take the Chair. Carried.
• M/S DD Cameron/JH Stephenson that JP Richardson be Secretary pro tem. Carried.
• M/S JP Richardson/ DD Cameron that the stable be sold to the Laggan School for $60 or failing this we accept Mr EA Mooney offer for like sum. Carried.
• Pump valued $12, Flag Pole $5, Site $15, Books $20, Maps $35. Balance in Bank at time school closed $133.37. Trustees unanimous in this valuation.

[signed ] JP Richardson Secretary Treasurer

24       Woodnorth, Man. 19 February 1920

Minutes of School meeting held in Office of General Store. Trustees all present.

• Minutes of last meeting read & adopted as read.
• Letter from Miss Herkes regarding increase of salary read. M/S DD Cameron/J Strachan that the matter of increase be left until end of term. Carried.
• M/S  EA Mooney/DD Cameron that the following accounts be paid: Frank Milburn, JP Richardson, Quality Lumber Yards, J.Sjpemaker; EN Moyer, Christies Bookstore, Teacher Salary & Van Drivers wages. Carried.
• M/S EA Mooney/J Strachan that J Richarddson be Delegate to Trustees Convention in Winnipeg. Carried.
• M/S J Strachan/ EA Mooney that Secretary and Chairman sign all papers, cheques, etc.

[signed] JP Richardson, Secretary Treasurer, JH Stephenson, Chairman

25       March 22, 1920

Minutes of School meeting held in School above date. Trustees all present except JP Richardson.

• Minutes of last meeting read and adopted as read.
• M/S J Strachan/DD Cameron that the application for increase at the rate of $200 per annum asked for by Miss Herkes be granted same to take effect as from 1st January 1920. Carried
• M/S DD Cameron/ J Strachan that Miss McPheden be given increase of salary at the rate of $100 per annum same to take effect from 1st January. Carried.
• Meeting adjourned.

[signed] JP Richardson, Secretary Treasurer, JH Stephenson, Chairman

26         June 22, 1920

Minutes of School Trustees meeting held in Old School building above date.

• Minutes of last meeting read and adopted as read.
• M/S DD Cameron/J Strachan that the Secretary Treaurer interview Miss Herkes & offer her $1300 per annum for term 1920/21. & failing acceptance by her of same to have permission to engage Teacher for this room. Carried.
• M/S EA Mooney/DD Cameron that By-law No. # borrowing $2,000 to meet current expenses be passed. Carried.
• Meeting adjourned.

[signed] JP Richardson, Secretary Treasurer, JH Stephenson, Chairman

 

RATEPAYERS’ ANNUAL MEETING    19th July 1920,  Woodnorth, Man.

Annual meeting held in School Room on above date at 8 o’clock.

• M/S David Smith/ JP Richardson that RH Mooney be Chairman of Meeting. Carried.
• M/S JP Richardson/ David Smith that John Matthewson be Secretary of meeting. Carried.
• M/S  R Swanton/ J Cochrane that Minutes of last Annual meeting be adopted as read. Carried.
• M/S JP Richarson JW Burton that Mr D. Smith and Mrs S.S. Colter be appointed trustees.
• M/S R Swanton/ J Cochrane that Mrs J Matthewson be Trustee.
• M/S  D Smith/ EA Mooney that Mrs S.S. Colter be Trustee.
• M/S J Matthewson/ R Swanton that Mrs W. Hill be Trustee.
• M/S that Mr JW Burton be Trustee.
• Trustees Report read & adopted.
• M/S D Smith/JW Burton that the Auditor’s Report be adopted as read.
• M/S  J Matthewson/ D Smith that we object  to sections 23, 26, 35 in 9.28 being removed to Sanderson School District. Carried.
• M/S R Swantson J Matthewson that David Smith and JP Richardson be appointed Committee to wait on Council on the 20th July & object to above sections being removed and be authorized to act as they see best. Carried.
• M/JP Richardson/ J Cochrane that we request the Council to accept Mr Redjick’s proposal to come into the Woodnorth Consolidated School District and also that Section 13 (Mr. Dingman’s) be included in this School District. NE half 12 & all of 13-9-28. Carried.
• M/S Mr Dakin/ Mr Cooper that the opinion of the Ratepayers is that the Trustees be requested to buy the unsurveyed portion of land to the East & North of School as a recreation ground & Memorial Park provided the Memorial Park Committee pay half the purchase price. Carried.
• After ballot for Trustees being taken, Mr D Smith  and Mrs S.S. Colter were elected to fill vacancies on Board.
• M/S R Swanton /J Cochrane that a hearty vote of appreciation be given to retiring Trustees. Carried.
• Meeting Adjourned.

[signed] JH Stephenson, Chairman, J Matthewson, Secretary.

27       Woodnorth, Man. 26 July 1920.

Minutes of School Trustee meeting held in New School above date at 8 pm.

• Minutes of last meeting read and adopted as read. Trustees all present. Also the new Trustees-elect were present on invitation.
• M/S EA Mooney/J Strachan that we accept the application of W.S.Lochart as first choice , Angus McGregor 2nd Choice, & Miss Bowen third choice to refill vacancy on teaching staff. Carried.
• M/S  DD Cameron/ J Strachan that we accept the following tenders for Van Routes: Route # 1 WG Campbell $5.50; Route #2 Stanley Calder $4.50; Route # 3 James Cochrane $3.75. The Secretary Treasurer to insist on Vans keeping to time. Carried.
• M/S   DD Cameron/ J Strachan that Miss McPHeden’s salary be increased to $1200 per annum. Carried.
• M/S  DD Cameron/ EA Mooney that Secretary Treasurer be instructed to see Frank Milburn regarding the finishing of contract on Schools. Carried.
• M/S  EA Mooney/ JP Richardson that Davis Smith be asked to arrange for sufficient help to move all outbuildings. Carried.
• M/S EA Mooney/ JP Richardson that DD Cameron be appointed Secretary Treasurer for year 1920/21. Carried.

[signed] EA Mooney, Chairman,  DD Cameron, Secretary Treasurer.

28      4 Aug 1920

Minutes of Trustee Meeting held in School House Aug 4, 1920. All Trustees present.

The new Trustees, Mrs Colter & Mr D. Smith took Declaration of Office.

• M/S D.Smith/Mrs Colter that Minutes of last meeting be adopted as read. Carried.
• M/S  DD Cameron/Mrs Colter that EA Mooney be Chairman. Carried.
• M/S  D.Smith/ J. Strachan that EA Mooney attend Council Meeting re North half Sec. 12 and all 13 in 9.28. Carried.
• M/S D.Smith/J Strachan that Secretary ask for Tenders for the supply of coal for Schoolhouses, Galt or Drumheller. Carried
• M/S D.Smith/ Mrs Colter that Secretary Treasurer receive $25 salary per year.
• M/S Mrs Colter D. Smith that the following accounts be paid. Carried. Free Press Adv. $4; Wire W.J. Lockhart  40 [cents]
• M/S Mrs Colter/D Smith that all cheques issued by School District be signed by DD Cameron Secretary Treasurer & Countersigned by Chairman EA Mooney. Carried.

[signed] EA Mooney, Chairman,  Donald D Cameron, Secretary Treasurer.

29        Minutes of Trustee Meeting held in School House Aug 24, 1920. All Trustees present.

• M/S D Smith/ J Strachan that the Minutes of last meeting be adopted as read. Carried.
• M/S D Smith/Mrs Colter that the tender of the United Grain Growers Ltd. be accepted for 15 tons of Drumheller coal @ $181.25 delivered in bins by first day of October . Carried.
• M/S J Strachan/Mrs Colter that Stanley Calder do the care taking of Schoolhouses @ 40 cents per day and 70 cents per day when fires start. Carried.

[signed] EA Mooney, Chairman,  Donald D Cameron, Secretary Treasurer.

30         Minutes of Trustee Meeting held in Schoolhouse Oct 27, 1920.

• M/S by D Smith/Mrs Colter that the Minutes of the last meeting be adopted as read. Carried.
• M/S D Smith/J Strachan that we donate $25 to the Boys & Girls Club Fair. Carried.
• M/Z D Smith/ Mrs Colter that the following accounts be paid. Carried.

W.S. Lockhart $140; S.B. Calder $100; E.N .Moyer $38.37; S.S. Colter $19.70; P. Johnston $7.50; D.M. Kydd B.&.G.C. $7.25; Portage-la-Prairie $12.90; D.D.C. Express Charges $2.20; Quality Lumber Yards $36.70.

[signed] EA Mooney, Chairman,  Donald D Cameron, Secretary Treasurer.

31        Minutes of Trusree Meeting held in Schoolhouse December 1, 1920. All Trustees present.

• M/S Mrs Colter/ J Strachan that the minutes of last meeting be adopted as read. Carried.
• M/S D Smith/ MrsColter that we accept the resignation of Mr Lockhart and Miss McFaden. Carried.
• M/S  D Smith/ Mrs Colter that our note to Union Bank be renewed up to $2,500 until Jan 7. Carried.
• M/S D Smith/ S Strachan that Secretary be instructed to advertise for Teachers in the Winnipeg Free Press. Carried

[signed] EA Mooney, Chairman,  Donald D Cameron, Secretary Treasurer.

32        Minutes of Trustee Meeting held in School House Dec 13, 1920. All Trustees present.

• M/S  D Smith/J Strachan that Minutes of last meeting be adopted as read.
• After the Trustees consulted with Mr Lockhart he decided to withdraw his resignation and stay for the balance of year.
• M/S Mrs Colter/D Smith that we advance Mr Lockhart’s salary at the rate of $100 per year from Jan 1, 1921.
• M/S D Smith/J Strachan that we engage Miss Hayhurst to teach Junior Room from  Jan 1, 1921 until June 30 at a salary of $1100 per year. Carried.
• M/S D Smith/J Strachan that Secretary pay Teachers & Salary also Van Drivers also Debenture.
• M/S D Smith/Mrs Colter that Secretary and Chairman sign contract for Memorial Park. Carried.

  [signed] EA Mooney, Chairman,  Donald D Cameron, Secretary Treasurer.   

End of transcription for 1920.

A link to the next section of Minutes is below:

Minutes 1921 to 1925

SCANS OF ORIGINAL SCHOOL BOARD MINUTE BOOKS – 31 July 1918 to end of 1920

School Board Minutes 31 July 1918

8 August 1918

13 August 1918

 

 

31 August 1918

4 October 1918

25 October 1918

26 Nov 1918

17 December 1918

28 January 1919

8 February 1919

17 March 1919

16 April 1919

29 May 1919

2 June 1919

13 June 1919

27 June 1919

12 July 1919

25 July 1919

9 August 1919

7 October 1919

3 November 1919

8 December 1919

20 Dec 1919

19 February 1920

22 March 1920

22 June 1920

26 July 1920

4 Aug 1920

24 August 1920  & 27 October 1920

1 December 1920 and 13 December 1920