A Brief History of the Morson School

The Morson School, to which the Kindergarten and Grade One Classes were assigned in 1971, was the culmination of a long and distinguished line of small community schools.

The first school, S. S. #2, was built about three miles north of the present day school. Constructed from hand-hewn logs, it was the labour of love and dedication, which typified the Morson Community. Various fund-raising events obtained sufficient funds for the roofing and windows. Upon completion it became a focal point of many community events.

Pupils, many of which had been home-schooled, now walked, rode horses, or came by buggy.

In 1939, the second Morson School, converted from a private home, opened on the spot where the present day Community Hall stands. Mrs. Moen recalls having to wear mitts until the wood stove at the back warmed up the room. She also remembers that once in a while the water container froze overnight and bursting.

In 1949, the Minahico students who had been attending the Bergland School were reassigned to the Morson School. With more children in attendance it was decided to build a larger one. In 1951 to 1952 a third Morson School was built on the present day site. Although it had Hydro, the large wood stove created so much smoke, a fuel oil furnace was soon installed. The huge south-facing windows provided a lot of light.

The school bus was a horse-drawn-wagon with a box cover in which a small stove provided heat.

In 1962, to accommodate the influx of Big Island and Big Grassy First Nations students -- there were about 60 pupils by now - it was decided to build an addition.

When The Ministry of Education consolidated the many small Ontario School Boards, the Morson School was designated for the area's Kindergarten and Grade One pupils.

Built on the edge of the forest, the children had a large serene stimulating environment conducive to learning.