As settlements developed into distinct villages, institutions were established to meet the need for education and community support. In many of our small communities the churches played an enormous role in the lives of local residents. Over time home-schooling was replaced by community schools, usually built by residents. Many schools in the area had large numbers of students enrolled, although not all students attended daily. This was due to a variety of reasons, ranging from the amount of work to be done at home, to bad weather conditions.

With the arrival of the Sisters of Charity in many local communities, church and school were closely linked for many years. While many of the buildings and institutions that historically supported the cultural activities in the area are no longer in existence, other groups and shops have sprung up in attempts to revive this heritage.