From the Smoky Lake Signal, Wednesday, June 25, 1980

North Kotzman School Reunion

The North Kotzman School first opened its doors in 1921. The children were of parents mainly of European descent who had settled in this area after most of the land further south was taken. In this case instead of "go west, young man," it was "go north" to where land was still waiting to be homesteaded. The people were mainly from the Ukraine where few could afford to own land and where firewood was in short supply. Whatever wood there was, usually belonged to "Pahn" (Landlord) and so did the rabbits and fish and birds. Even though the land here was not the best and certainly not like it was in the Ukraine, it nevertheless must have looked good. For once there would be no shortage of wood or grass or fish. Shortcomings would be encountered but as yet most were unforeseen. The first settlers were here before Alberta became a province but the majority arrived later, mainly 1910 to 1914.

Many hardships were endured. Now there was more than enough firewood and the heavy bush land was hard to clear. Mosquitoes were bad and it appeared to be raining constantly.

During the summer months the young families worked from sunrise to sunset to prepare some land for seeding. During the winter many of the young husbands went to work in coal mines, leaving their wives and young children to fend for themselves and keep the farm going.

For some years it was a constant struggle and no doubt many were disillusioned but most of the new arrivals persevered, improved their homesteads and obtained a patent to their land.

For quite a few years there was no school. Some of the people who lived on the southern fringe of this area sent their children to Kotzman School which was already in existence. With the influx of people farther north and the growing families, it became necessary to build another school to accommodate these children. It was built on Wasyl Kozak's farm in the S.E. corner of S.W. 1/4 of Sec. 18, Twp. 60 Rge. 16, W4. The naming was easy. All they had to do was place the word North before Kotzman. The name North Kotzman met with approval of most because Kotzman was the name of a town in the vicinity of the former homes of both the south and north Kotzman settlers.

By this time some of the older children who had immigrated with their parents were not of the regular school starting age any more and therefore did not have a chance to obtain very much schooling. The younger ones were more fortunate. Eventually another school was required and the North Kotzman Hall was put into service. As the years went by many children obtained their education here. We now have former pupils in almost all walks of life.

The school and community hall were the centre of the social life of the district. Dances were frequent and very popular with young people. So were concerts and plays performed by local talent. The Christmas Concert was the highlight of the year.

Almost every Sunday during summer there would be a baseball game on the school grounds. Teams from surrounding districts competed and were cheered on by their supporters. The school years would be filled with players and speculators.

In the middle thirties the North Kotzman Post Office and Grocery Store were established and performed a valuable service to the community for many years. In those meeting places news and views were exchanged and people could find out what went on in their district and beyond without the aid of radio or TV.

The short span of time from the beginning of the settlement to the present day is short, but the changes in the community are many. The people who are coming to the reunion on July 5, 1980 remember the good old days.

Preparations for the North Kotzman Home Coming and School Reunion are nearing completion. There are a few tasks that must be done just before July 5th and all will be ready for the celebration. The response from the students and residents of the North Kotzman District is very good and all are looking forward to an evening of fellowship and fun and an informal get-together the next day. It will be an opportunity to renew old friends and make new ones.

Three of the guests born in Alberta in 1905 and share the 75th birthday with the province.

A book of family histories, autobiographies and memories of the school days is being compiled. The stories will bring laughter and tears to the reader and the book will be a good record of our local history and heritage. This book will be available at the reunion.

There will also be a display of old school books, pictures and other items from the early days of the community. The date is July 5 and the place is Smoky Lake's Agricultural Complex.

North Kotzman #3881 was located near Mons Lake. The teachers of the school are as follows:

1921 - 22 John Verchomin
1922 - 24 Patrick S. White
1924 - 25 Jack Hunter, George Hosking
1925 - 26 Byron Kingsbury
1926 - 27 Donald McLeod
1927 - 28 W. S. McDonald
1928 - 29 Henry Brooks
1929 - 30 Steve Pillott, Joseph Yachew, G. D. McFarlane
1931 - 32 Steve Pillott, Peter Myronuk
1932 - 34 John Elaschuk, M. V. Shevchishin 
1934 - 36 John Elaschuk, Sophie Kosakewich
1937 - 40 John Elaschuk, Metro Rudiak
1940 - 41 Harry Shevchook, Mary Dwernychuk
1941 - 42 Pete Kozdrowsky, Annie Antoniuk
1942 - 51 Annie Antoniuk
1951 - 52 John Gavinchuk
1952 - 53 Margaret Forbes
1953 - 54 Wm. M. Yakimchuk
1954 - 55 Amy Footz, Phillis Moroz.

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