McConnell School

This weathered one-room schoolhouse is only about a mile off the highway.  A "summer road only" is the only access...watch out for the low spots along the way.

More about the school here: An Audience at the School

Photographed near New Brigden, Alberta on May 15, 2023.

Zion Lutheran Church

Still hangin' in there...

...the old Zion Lutheran Church near Horsham, Saskatchewan.  

According to the GRHS the church was open for thirty-one years, closing in 1950.  It's now been abandoned for what seems a long, long time.

Every once in a while someone moves the cross from one side of the front door to the other.  To see some photos of the church from about six years ago, click here: Zion Lutheran Church and Cemetery

Photographed on May 15, 2023.

Long Shot (Fairacres School)

A long shot of the handsome Fairacres School, a one-room schoolhouse from the days of the pioneers.

Photographed near Oyen, Alberta on May 15, 2023.

Log Barn

An old log barn near Borden, Alberta.  Now most likely a good home for birds and other wild animals.  

Photographed on October 9, 2022.

Leinan S.D. No. 314

My last stop on a five day road trip through southern Saskatchewan.

I wasn't sure if this one was still standing but as you can see from the photos it's not only still upright but in pretty good condition (considering it's been abandoned for fifty years).

I think someone didn't do so well in Spelling Class.

The overhang above the door and "wall of windows" are familiar features on many pioneer schoolhouses.

Photographed near Leinan, Saskatchewan on October 20, 2017.

Whoa Nellie!

Photographed near Vidir, Manitoba on October 19, 2022.

By Rail and Road

The big old bowstring bridge near Scotsguard, Saskatchewan.

I've taken photos of this handsome relic of the past on many occasions but this was the first time I ever saw it in a wintry landscape.  Thanks BW!

Photographed on April 8. 2023.

Tragically Beautiful

I frequently drive Eagle Butte Road between Dunmore and the Cypress Hills in Alberta, and when I'm nearing the intersection with Township Road 94 I always slow down and look to the east.  As often as not I'll drive down a few miles to take some photos of the tragically failing old church structure...quite beautiful in its own way. 

The Congregational Church and Cemetery at Gros Ventre-Tothill was photographed on June 17, 2017.

Morning Star School

A one-room schoolhouse near Burdett...

...set against a big blue Alberta sky.

Photographed on April 11, 2023.

The Old Bridge near Margaret

Chatting with a lady out walking her dog in town was a pleasant break from my drive in the countryside.  It was a chilly morning but as we stood talking the fall sun soon blessed us with some much needed warmth.  

About twenty minutes later when it came time for me to get back on the road she asked, "Have you seen the old bridge?"  

Hadn't seen one quite like this before.  It was only a short walk from the main road but well worth it, don't you think?          

Photographed near Margaret, Manitoba on October 16, 2022.

(More of) The Pink Church

Some photos of the The Pink Church have been previously posted to this blog but here is a deservingly more expansive view of both the church and cemetery.

On the north side of Fort Belknap Reservation, Montana stands Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Cemetery.  The church is known locally as The Pink Church.

The church and cemetery were established by Jesuit Priests in 1924.  Even though the church closed in the 1960's, the cemetery is still used to this day.  

I like the simple and often homemade memorials on the graves.  It's uplifting to see that those buried here are still remembered by their loved ones.  This is a beautiful place and the trip here is well worth it.

My visit reminded me of the adobe churches I saw some years ago in the southwestern U.S.A.  It would be right at home in southern New Mexico or Arizona.  The cemetery made me think of those I had seen in northern Mexico and it would feel right at home there.    

Photographed near Harlem, Montana on September 1, 2017.