Willow Ridge School has been gone for years from the edge of the community of Burr, south of Humboldt on Highway 20, but its spirit lives on for many who attended it. Those people with a connection to the school and those families and friends in the region are making an effort to see the institution remembered.
On Saturday, July 19, residents and visitors are invited to a social, barbecue and memorial dedication at the site and in the Burr Community Hall. Garry Maier is one of the spearheads of the initiative. He explains that the last building associated with the school was moved in 1973, the year after the school closed.
“My wife and I live in Saskatoon now, but my wife was the last teacher there in 1973,” Maier reveals. “It was kind of the inspiration for me to kick start and event like this and put up a marker.”
That marker will consist of a metal sign being manufactured in Humboldt and a rock with a plaque that details the school’s history. The original Willow Ridge School opened in 1908 and closed in 1946, and it resided across Highway 20, adjacent to Burr. The final incarnation of Willow Ridge School opened in 1947 until its closure.
On the 19th, the marker will be unveiled at 11 am and shortly after, there will be a social with a barbecue, a PowerPoint presentation with addresses and time to reminisce. Maier promises there will be plenty of time to visit, catch up and have fun.
“There are going to be three teachers there who taught in that school, maybe four,” Maier says. “As well, there will be a lot of former students. As of now, we have roughly 60 people planning to be there.”
Any more raised from the event will go toward the marker and plaque, which is being funded solely by donation. Businesses in Humboldt and Lanigan are supporting the venture with their donation of goods for the silent auction that’s happening on that Saturday.
“Anyone who is not connected with Willow Ridge but who has knowledge about Burr or the area are welcome.”
Maier says their onsite photographer for the day is a huge history buff, and people with an interest in historical aspects of the area, education or Saskatchewan heritage in general will find a warm welcome.
RSVPs and any donations can be made by connecting with Betty Becker at bmbecker@sasktel.net.