Glenmore District was blessed over the years with a special publication.  In the early days it was known as Glenmore District News and later morphed into Glenmore News.  In 1947 Glenmore News was taken over for about two or three years by a group of older teenagers.  Its’ masthead pronounced that it was “Published by the Young People of Glenmore”.  The unpaid staff was comprised of an Editor, Cartoonist and Illustrator, Gossip Columnist, other Columnists (including adults), Feature Writer, Advertising Manager, Production men and Printers.  We had a great group of individuals and as nearly all of us were, or had been schoolmates, the cohesion was certainly there.  Below was one of my feature articles from so many years ago.


SCHOOL DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN
School days, school days,
Good old golden rule days,
Reading and writing and ‘rithmetic
Taught to the tune of the hickory stick……..

Above are four lines of an old familiar air which were on the lips of thousands of boys and girls as they went trooping back to hundreds of schools throughout Alberta a few days ago.

Let’s look in on a scene of yesterday.  First our gaze discerns a little pioneer settlement.  We can make out the little church, the one-storey log schoolhouse and the many rustic log houses.  In the town square are a group of children merrily playing at their games.  Let us get closer to hear what they are saying.  One boy, whose voice seems to be higher pitched than the rest, is heard exclaiming “Gosh darn it anyhow, just think, school starts tomorrow---oh, well, it will be a change.”  At that exclamation, a hum of voices goes up discussing the pros and cons of the return to school life.

Those pioneer children didn’t seem to abhor the thought of going back to school as some do today.  Even if their library wasn’t stocked with a grand array of up-to-date text books, and even if they only had a slate to do their schoolwork on instead of pen and ink scribblers, they were quite satisfied with their lot.  Did they worry about hand hewn desks to sit in?  No, most certainly not---they were only too glad to have the opportunity to learn.

The settlement youngsters weren’t the only ones  who attended school.  Stretching for many miles in all directions were the cabins and farms of other hardy pioneers.  Their children didn’t have any modern conveyances to travel in---they went by foot, horse or buggy. Getting to school in the summer wasn’t so bad, in fact it was a lot of fun---they could breathe in the rich, invigorating air, watch the various little animals scurrying about their daily business, hear the enchanting songs of woodland birds, and enjoy other exciting little adventures that invariably were in store for them.  It was the hard and cruel winters that they dreaded.  As soon as the north winds began to come more forcibly, bringing blasts of snow-laden air, they knew that the fun was over.  With tons of fluffy white snow piling up in the woodlands, and stretching an endless white blanket across hills and valleys, trails would be obliterated and new ones would have to be broken.  As a result, getting to school would become a hard chore, but they got there, even if it cost them the added pain of frostbitten hands and feet.  

Sometimes a roaring blizzard would come crashing down upon the farms and settlement before school was out, and consequently many of the children would have to sleep in the schoolhouse.  In the schools of today, up-to-date heating units are installed which ensure warmth and comfort in frigid weather.  In pioneer times an old-fashioned stove, usually located at the back of the room, was the only source of heat.  When cold weather struck, this stove had to be continually stoked with wood.

Of course, there was always the prospect of spring, and great was the rejoicing upon the arrival of this season.  Even the thought of the quick run-off and the muddy trails didn’t dampen the ardor of these sturdy pioneer school children.  They sloshed and fought through mud and slush to get to school and considered it just one big adventure.

So when you feel inclined to grumble about having to go back to school, think of those courageous pioneer children of many years ago, and I think you will find that you have a lot to be thankful for.   C.P.


Following is a little bit of gossip from our November, 1948 issue of Glenmore News.  Because of our concern for accuracy, all items contained within our gossip column had to be double-checked for accuracy and veracity.


OVER THE TEACUPS
We notice that Don Robbins is staying out later than usual these evenings.  Could the reason be the Charms of a certain young lady, or the fact that Mother and Dad are holidaying at the coast and Grandpa Robbins isn’t quite so strict?

Folks, have you noticed the signs hanging on Mr. C. C. Cross’ gate?  I look forward to reading them every time I pass his place.  The slogans are really good and are changed frequently.  Mr. Cross must have a fine sense of humour to have such ideas.

Mr. E. Johansen is back home again after a good season of racing.  He brought back a new horse that should interest the ladies.  His name is   “Hair-do”!
THE GLENMORE GOSSIPER
 
 
I guess that is it for this Vignette, and hopefully you have enjoyed our little journey with a teenager from the 1940's. 
 
Author’s note:  I should mention that C.C. Cross was Clifton C. Cross, a very successful oilman and a fine gentleman.  The Cross’ gracious home was located midway between Elbow Drive S.W. and current 14th Street S.W. on the south side of current Glenmore Trail.  Above the entrance-way to his imposing acreage hung a sign which contained, on a continuous basis, interesting quotes and humorous notes.