School Section Number 26
Once upon a time there were three schools in Bayfield (Little River). One was situated on the property now owned by James Randall. This school served both Bayfield and Summerside.
The scholars called the teacher “Old Angus”. He was very stern and made good use of the rod if anyone did not study hard “the Rule of Three” – “reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic all to the tune of the hickory stick” The other school in Little River was built near E. W. Randall’s, near the store once owned and operated by C. L. Gass.
The first school in Little River opened between 1815 – 1817. It was a log school house near the present school.
The “scholars” sat on long wooden benches and used small slates upon which they wrote their sums with special slate pencils.
The first “School Master” who taught in Little River and in this school was Aylward Taylor, from Dublin, Ireland. He taught until 1829 at least, according to a register now in the possession of Terrence Murphy.
It was in 1826 that all the inhabited parts of Nova Scotia was laid off into School districts. These districts were to be of such dimensions that the scholars would not be too far from the school house. Instruction was to be given in reading, writing, arithmetic, Morals and Manners. Spelling came a little later. The teacher’s salary was fixed at 50 pounds currency, but he could be hired for less.
Most of the first scholars were from the families of Randall and Strople. In 1878 the land was purchased from E. W. Randall, Merchant and the old log school gave way to a new wooden structure, which is still standing today – but has undergone many changes.
When the Pother [Pothier] Report came into effect January 1, 1956 the one room schools were replaced by large consolidated schools.
29 – 428 September 25, 1878 E. W. Randall, Ruth his wife to Trustees, Bayfield School Section #26 for $40.00 land bounded N 3 ft from present School house and land of James B. Cook on the E and S lands owned by the aforesaid James B. Cook and on the West by the main road leading from Bayfield to Afton with all buildings.
In the presence of Thomas Heney
George H. Irish
** Note the school house has been sold multiple times and is currently for sale.
