Leader

A few of my last shots of the grain elevator in Leader, Saskatchewan.  It was demolished soon afterwards.

Photographed on February 26, 2018.

Hagen

The rather wobbly old grain elevator in Hagen, Saskatchewan.

Photographed on August 5, 2020.

Saskatchewan Wheat Pool No. 1

The elevator-shaped plaque reads:

"Saskatchewan Wheat Pool No. 1
Bulyea, Saskatchewan 

"Saskatchewan Wheat Pool dedicates this commemorative memorial cairn to the pioneers who settled this region and founded the town of Bulyea.  As the site of the first delivery of grain to the Saskatchewan Co-operative Wheat Producers Ltd. on July 1, 1925, Bulyea occupies a special place in our history. 

"Saskatchewan Wheat Pool celebrates our 75th anniversary this year.  On this occasion, we honour the courage,  flexibility, and commitment to growth that characterize prairie farming life.  This spirit has built strong communities like Bulyea and strong co-operatives like the Pool, and it will drive forward into the next millenium, as Pool members in Bulyea and across the province forge the next century of agri-business. 

"Dedicated to the town of Bulyea on your 90th Anniversary From Saskatchewan Wheat Pool on our 75th Anniversary June 12, 1999"

Photographed on August 3, 2020.

Butze Elevator

A well weathered grain elevator in Butze, Alberta.

Photographed on February 20, 2020.

Clemenceau Federal

Welcome to Clemenceau!

The Federal grain elevator is still standing and I was happy to see that!

I love the way this one has aged...peeling paint and all.

This must have been the elevator operator's house...in minty green no less.

I don't think a CN train has stopped here in a long time.

The main industry of the town was lumber but after a forest fire in the early 1940's that soon came to an end.  I grew up in the southeast corner of the province so just the idea of a lumber industry in Saskatchewan was surprising.

The "Federal" and "Clemenceau" names are still legible...barely.

A few shots on my way out of town and towards Hudson Bay...that's Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan by the way.

Photographed on March 19, 2020.

Big Shiny Elevator

Big and shiny against the snow and prairie sky.

Photographed in Wroxton, Saskatchewan on January 5, 2020.

Road Trip

Some favourite photos from a week-long road trip in central Alberta this past February.

February 19, 2020:
First photo of the day...the New Brigden Water Tower was built by the Canadian National Railway in 1925.  Extensive rehabilitation to "straighten and correct" the structure was done a few years ago.  It's a landmark of some renown in the area and well worth a visit.

February 19, 2020:
Sacred Heart Catholic Church is a grand brick building in the small town of Chauvin.  I love the stamped tin siding on the steeple.

February 20, 2020:
Winona School District #1927 sign near Oxville.  I've seen dozens upon dozens of school signs in the countryside but each one is special in its own way...a recognition of the past is always appreciated.

February 20, 2020:
My last stop for the day...a country cemetery near the town of Islay.  I really wanted to venture in to take a closer look at the headstones but the snow was deep and it had been a long day.  Next time.

February 21, 2020:
This tall budded cross marks the site of Saint Mikhail Cemetery near Myrnam.  The cemetery is about a quarter mile off the road and the only way in was on foot through the snow drifts.  Many of the burials here were victims of the flu epidemic in 1918-1919 and most of those graves were marked with wooden crosses.  Those markers have long since rotted or burned up in prairie fires so many of the graves here are lost.  The government records indicate that only about forty people are buried here when in fact there are well over one hundred.  As is obvious from the cross marker design and cemetery name it was established by Ukrainian settlers.

February 21, 2020:
The central dome of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity topped with an Orthodox cross in Myrnam.

February 22, 2020:
A roadside sign for New Kiew Holy Ascension Ukrainian Catholic Church and Cemetery northeast of Vegreville...

February 22, 2020:

...and an icy-blue, cello-shaped headstone in the cemetery.

February 22, 2020:

The former courthouse in Vegreville...now an administration building.  These old courthouses look so "official."

February 23, 2020:

A large stone monument at Lanuke Cemetery just outside of Two Hills.  There is a covered outdoor picnic area here...my kind of place.

February 24, 2020:

As soon as I stopped here I knew I was in for a treat.  I stepped out of the car and about six hundred feet down the road this dog started running towards me with tail in full wag.  She was great company while I photographed the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Dormition of Saint Mary of Sich-Kolema near Vegreville.  Nice to have unexpected friendly four-legged company.

February 24, 2020:

The cross on top of the central dome at Ascension of Jesus Christ Catholic Church - Kopernick Parish near Holden.  The light was just right to capture this striking main feature.

February 25, 2020:

On my way home I stopped at Castor to see the grain elevator.  I can't remember the last time I saw one painted this colour.  It seemed to be in pretty good condition.

February 25, 2020:

Next to last photo of the day...a big willow tree covered with hoar frost at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Cemetery just outside of Castor.  The wind blowing little bits of the frost out of the trees almost looks like falling stars in the bright blue sky.

Hope you enjoyed the trip.

Alberta Wheat Pool

The grain elevator at Kirriemuir, Alberta.

The silver-coloured tin panelling together with what looks like a fresh coat of green paint create a stark but attractive contrast.

The sky was gray or white with light rain throughout the day.  Thankfully the roads didn't get muddy.

I like this photo where the big silver annex dominates the scene.

Photographed on October 22, 2019.

Pool Elevator at Invermay

The old Pool grain elevator at Invermay, Saskatchewan.

Photographed on March 20, 2020.

Three Elevators and a Church

This is Loring, a little town in northeastern Montana.

The scenic highlights are three old elevators...

...and the Loring Lutheran Church.

A little glimpse into the past.

Photographed on October 20, 2018.