It was a sweltering Friday afternoon in the West Country as my dad and I navigated dusty gravel roads on our motorcycles to locate the Rocky Ag Society’s historic school sign at Blueberry Valley.

Located approximately 8 km northeast of Leslieville down RR 40-2, a metal sign marks where a rural school once stood — and residents say the spot saw many memorable, happy times in decades past.

Wilma McKenzie has lived near the school site since the 1950s, and says, like many rural schools in the area, students came on horseback from sometimes long distances, on rough trails through all kinds of weather.

Many young students didn’t see the value in attending at the time, she says, but wise parents and teachers prevailed, knowing it was good for the children.

McKenzie’s parents bought an adjacent quarter section in the mid-50s specifically to be close to the school. However, the school closed the following year, and McKenzie was among the first students to be bussed into Leslieville.

Blueberry Valley historic school marker sign as seen Sept. 12, 2025 (94.5 Rewind Radio/Jordan Rein)

In speaking with some longtime residents who attended the school, all of which wished to remain anonymous, McKenzie says they were eager to share warm memories of the school.

A former student immediately recalled the horseback rides to and from the school — which didn’t always go smoothy. Horses would get spooked and buck their rider off, creating great stories.

Wilma McKenzie recounting a story from a resident who rode on horseback to Blueberry Valley.

Former students fondly remember an annual spring gathering at the school site. It was the first time many of the kids ever tried ice cream.

Wilma McKenzie recounting former student stories from an annual spring gathering at Blueberry Valley.

The school also had a unique approach to discipline, one former student remembers. Instead of teachers administering discipline, students were often left to sort things out among themselves.

Wilma McKenzie recounting former student recollection of discipline at Blueberry Valley.

According to the Rocky Ag Society website, the Blueberry Valley school served the district until 1955 when students were bussed to Leslieville.

When it was purchased in 1958 it was moved across the road where it still remains as a residence.

Click here for more information on Rocky Mountain House Agricultural Society’s historic school initiative.