Saint Anthony's at Grosswerder

The kindness of strangers...

...I was taking some photos of Saint Anthony's Church when a couple in a pickup pulled over.  They were curious about who I was and what I was up to way out in the middle of nowhere (both of which are reasonable questions).  It didn't take long and we were chatting up a storm and having some laughs.  Deciding that I wasn't up to no good, they asked, "Would you like to see inside?"

Little seems to have changed inside the church in well over a century.  The addition of electricity is likely the most recent update.  The original altar, colour scheme, captivating set of Stations of the Cross and three bells in the bell tower all in tact.   

The sky was thick with smoke that day so the the outdoor photos aren't what I'd hoped for...my next visit will be on a "blue sky" day I'm sure.  There is a statue of Saint Anthony above the front door and a small outdoor altar in a protected corner of the churchyard.  The church is still in use.

The cemetery is on the opposite side of the road about a quarter of a mile west and is populated with many grave markers both old and new.  It's also still in use.

Thank you kind people for inviting me into your beautiful country church.  Making new friends is always a good thing...and thank you for brightening up a gloomy day.

Photographed near Grosswerder, Saskatchewan on July 15, 2023.

Barn near Westhazel

With the help of some strategically placed retaining posts...

...this weathered old barn is still standing.  It's a beauty!

Photographed near Westhazel, Saskatchewan on July 16, 2023.

Century Family Farm Award

A Century Family Farm Award honouring the Lake Family Farm near Westhazel, Saskatchewan.

The goose sculpture is exceptional.

Photographed on July 16, 2023.

Two Bowstring Bridges near Dummer

Finding old bowstring bridges out in the middle of nowhere is always a treat...especially where the land is flat as a pancake.  But yes (though hidden well) there are creeks out here in the prairies.   

Bridge Number One above...

...and Bridge Number Two below.

Flowing water beneath, lush greenery all around and swallows overhead...I don't think I could have visited on a nicer day.

And the best news of all is that they are both still used on a daily basis.  Must be nice to drive over an historic bridge on the way into town to pick up the mail and then again back to the farm.

Photographed near Dummer, Saskatchewan on June 23, 2023.

Barreth Farm Sign

Remember Max and Wendy the border collies?

Well, they have a pretty nice sign at their farm near Macoun, Saskatchewan...don't you think?

Photographed on June 23, 2023.

Bethesda Lutheran near Milestone

A guest book along with a cache of postcards that give a brief history of the church is housed in a weatherproof enclosure beside the church.

"Norwegian Lutheran services were held as early as 1904, and in 1910 the Bethesda Norwegian Lutheran congregation was organized.  In 1912, Martin Johnson, a carpenter from South Dakota, was retained to construct Bethesda Lutheran Church with the assistance of the congregation.  Situated on an open parcel, the graceful steeple of this church can be seen for miles across the flat prairie landscape.  Modernized in 1928 with a concrete basement and furnace, the church served the surrounding rural community for church services, weddings, funerals, meetings and bazaars.  Many of the area's first settlers rest in the cemetery, which is located at the rear of the church.  Because of a steadily diminishing congregation, Bethesda Lutheran Church closed in 1973."

Visitors are welcome to take a postcard as a souvenir.

The church was restored in 2020. 

Photographed near Milestone, Saskatchewan on June 23, 2023.

"Mo"

This is "Mo" the sea reptile.  

He greets everyone as they enter the town of Ponteix, Saskatchewan.

I don't think I'd like to be on the receiving end of those teeth.  

Photographed on June 17, 2023.

Readlyn S.D. No. 3293

A very handsome old school in Readlyn, Saskatchewan.

There must have been a lot of kids in the area to warrant the building of such a large country school.

Photographed on June 18, 2023.

Max and Wendy

Meet Max and Wendy.

This is Max...

...and this is Wendy.  I think they were both happy to get a visit from a passerby...I know they brightened up my day.

Looks like they have a pretty good life out on their farm near Macoun, Saskatchewan.

Photographed on June 23, 2023.

Olson

A farm sign somewhere in the Cypress Hills of Saskatchewan.

Photographed on June 12, 2020.