Not so Lakeside School

In Central Alberta, near Blackfalds, you may have driven by an awkward looking building that looks like it was added on to several times. You have just found Lakeside Hall, one of the longest running school districts in the province. 

Starting it's life in 1895, before Alberta was even a province, Lakeside School #348 was opened. It was named Lakeside due to its proximity to Lake Nichol (now Blackfalds Lake). It was situated on a 2 acre piece of land that cost $10. As with many school houses, it became the community hub, hosting events and acting as a place for friends and neighbours to gather.

By 1931, the student population had shifted and the decision was made to move the school 1 mile east, or 1.6km if you prefer. During that summer, a crew of men and a 32-horse hitch team relocated the schoolhouse. 10 years later a larger schoolhouse was built, and the old school was converted to Lakeside Hall. The 'new' school served until 1955, when it was sold and moved to become a home nearby.

Over the years, renovations to the hall included, installing a furnace, enlarging and upgrading the floor space, adding power, a kitchen, a front entrance, building of a stage and dressing rooms, and re-siding and re-shingling. 

It appears to still be in use occasionally, and is a nice reminder of the history of the area.

Lakeside School being moved in 1931 - Lacombe & District Historical Society