The log building fitted well in the rural setting of this logging and farming community. The one-room structure had a high ceiling of wooden board and beam construction.

One can particularly remember the sight and smell of the classroom as it was ready for the first day of school in September. The floor boards were freshly oiled, as were the desk tops and wooden ledges. This clean-smelling odour was maintained by the oily sweeping compound used in the daily clean up.

There was no inside plumbing or electricity with only natural lighting until gas lamps were installed in 1955.

Water came from a newly-dug well on the school yard. This water was also used for a winter skating rink, leaving a rectangular area of dead grass in the spring.

Since there were no school buses, pupils walked to school or were brought by their families. Pupils in Grades One to Seven received considerable individual instruction. Some grouping was necessitated in certain subject areas, there being a total of twelve or fourteen pupils in the school. It was a challenge for one teacher to provide a range of activities in all school subjects and what later became known as extra-curricular activities.

Inspector Matheson made regular visits. He seemed to know the families represented in school. He provided helpful advice and assistance, personally testing pupils, marking the papers and interpreting results.

I have many pleasant memories of the pupils and parents at Joe Rich. Living and teaching in your school area provides experiences that are not as prevalent anymore.