WHITNEY LAKE SCHOOL (1939-40)
by S.A. Holthe
Whitney Lake community, in 1939, was the location of my first school, and accordingly, the memories of that term are especially cherished. I was very fortunate in that the School Board was a considerate one whose members had decided on two progressive measures: first to hire a teacher who had just graduated from Normal School, and who should therefore, they hoped, be skilled in the newest techÂniques and methodology; and secondly, to raise the wage to the recommended minimum of $840.00 per year. Teaching was pleasant for me and I have always hoped that learning was fun for the students. This at least I am certain of, that they played softball with enthusiasm and talent.
The men of the community, led by Bob Maxwell and Billy Evans, organized a rink on the lake and we played hockey and skated; in fact, on Sunday nights some of the young people skated much later than I really wanted and kept me up past my usual bed time. The happiest of the moonlight skaters would undoubtedly have been Don Lorenson.
I could hardly refer to Mrs. Jones, later Mrs. Kathryns, as my landlady because she treated me like a son. The LeoÂnard Coombe family were always most kind in giving me a lift to Heinsburg. I could never forget, as well, the forthÂrightness of Mrs. George Keck, the modesty of Carl Fraser Jr., the carefree nature of Albert Nelson, the outspoken temperament of Gus Block, the craftsmans' care of his boats by Carl Fraser Sr., Glen Maxwell's, pride in his sporty team of mules, the patient and uncomplaining character of Ernie Rainboth, the neighborliness of the Ed Lorensons, the hospitality of the E.T. Evans family, and the exubeÂrance of Bob Maxwell for community sports and social events.
I remember Whitney as a social community and one highly supportive of "their" teacher.
Note: Sid Holthe is presently (1976) high school principal at Elk Point.
