There is a lot of history in the small community of Big Arm, on the southeast shore of Flathead Lake. And there was plenty of opportunity to share memories of the area’s 100-plus year history during a well-attended breakfast at the former Big Arm School.

The Big Arm Association (BAA) hosted the delicious breakfast during a three-hour period last Saturday. Lending a hand with cooking, serving and clean-up were many of the 16 members of the board of directors. They included BAA president Ron Roberts, secretary Nancy Foster and treasurer Tom Eddy.

BAA started restoring Polson Rural Volunteer Fire Station 2, Big Arm in 2005, and that project appears to be complete. BAA has a new 10-year 99-cents a year lease for the former school house, since the school district still owns the property. BAA members maintain the building, and painted is less than two weeks ago.

Big Arm School, building in the 1913-18 time frame, is on the National Registry of Historical Places, and it’s been “a work in progress,” Roberts said Saturday.

Ross Hoyt, who said some of his family members attended school at Big Arm during the 20th century. He was a seventh-grade student there. The last class there was in 1952; then the Harmony Club took over the building.

Hoyt said he started the local fire department about 15 years ago, then less than two years later, the school building renovation began.

“We have fun. The best thing is the camaraderie,” Roberts said.

There are a number of events year round at the former school. Next up: a potluck dinner on Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. with guest speaker Dr. Shawn Delvin with the U.S. Biological Station at Yellow Bay. Bring a side dish and enjoy an evening at Big Arm. Everyone is welcome.