The School District of Alma No. 668
The following information on Alma School was found in the archives of the Belmont Museum:
The first settlers came to the Alma District in 1881, and soon it became necessary to provide education for the children. The School District of Alma No. 668 was incorporated in 1889, with the school built on land owned by Louis Cline Sr. on SE 34-4-15, built with donations of lumber and volunteer labour.The school was finished in 1890.
The first teacher, Mr. Alex Tumoth, asked the students for suggestions for a school name, and after some deliberation, it was decided that the name Alma was most fitting.
The first Trustees were Frank Williamson Sr., Jack Wanless Sr., and John Chambers Sr., with Jim Lees being named Secretary-Treasurer.
In 1905, the original schoolhouse was moved to the Chambers farm after a new brick school was built complete with a bell tower.
As in other rural communities, the school was the focal point. Winter dances, Christmas concerts, field days, and other school activities enhanced the academic program offered.
Church services and Sunday School classes were also held at the school.
When Consolidation came about in 1960, Alma School was closed as an educational institution, and the students were transported by bus to larger centres. The last teacher at Alma School was Miss Donna McLean.
After the school was closed, the building was repurposed into a Community Centre, bringing people together and hosting many community activities.
On July 2, 1984, a cairn was erected.
Mounted atop the cairn was the bell from the bell tower of the school.
The cairn was dedicated in memory of the pioneers of the Alma District.
PHOTO CAPTION: At one time this was the focal point of the farming community south of Belmont, but now the Alma School is quiet. PHOTO BY SUZANNE PADDOCK
