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White Valley School

A group of pioneer children and their teacher are standing outside a wooden school. All of the children are wearing hats. Next to the school is a wooden church.

Lumby Historians Collection

White Valley School was Lumby’s first school.  The school was built in 1893 on one acre of land donated by Pierre Bessette.  It cost $1,000.00 to build the school.

Tom Norris was the first teacher.  His salary was $60.00 a month.  Much higher than a tradesman who earned only $30.00 a month!  How difficult it must have been for Mr. Norris when he first arrived in Lumby to teach.  He only spoke English and his students only spoke French!

Enrolment in 1893 was 12 students.  Students usually walked to school, rain or shine.