From the Archives (1913): School Opens in Viking

Originally published in The Viking News (November 27, 1913)Last Monday was an eventful day in the educational life of Viking. The new school building was used for the first time and it was a happy day for pupils, teachers and citizens in general.

Forty-four pupils were enrolled on Monday and comfortably filled the two rooms that will be occupied as present. Mr. W.F. Hargrove is principal and has charge of the supervision and upper grades. Miss Heather Buie is second teacher and has the primary grades.

The new building has to be seen to be appreciated. It isa two story solid brick structure with white facing, steam heated and equipped with modern facilities of every kind. The public should avail themselves of the opportunity to visit the school and have occasion to be proud of the magnificent $20,000 school house that has been erected in Viking.

The School Board consisting of Messrs J.C Hennessy, chairman, L.R Dayton and Geo. Loads. Have laboured unceasingly ever since it was proposed to have a new school building. No one realizes, unless they have had experience, the greater number of perplexing problems that arise in having charge of the erection of the public building, but the board has met them all with the careful deliberation. Their work is surely to be commended.

John Berry, of Wainwright, Alberta, was the contractor, J.H. Rudy, of Edmonton, architect, and Chas.Stevens, of Viking, did the painting. The famous sand lime brick, manufactured by the Alsip Brick& Supply Co., of Edmonton, was used exclusively in the construction of the building. The Acme Heating & Plumbing Co., of Edmonton, installed the steam heating plant.

We are glad to know that the teachers and pupils are housed in such a comfortable building and it ought to mean much to the future development of Young Canada. The added educational advantages that the new school presents will be a big factor in the growth of Viking.