Zion Cemetery of Many Island

This mostly forgotten pioneer cemetery sits in the open prairie northwest of Walsh, Alberta.  I couldn't find any written information about the cemetery but considering the time when the area was settled and styles of grave markers it looks like it dates back to about 1920.

The original glass and metal cemetery sign is shown in the first photo.  A handful of the graves are identified by cast concrete or metal and glass markers but most were originally marked by wooden crosses which decayed many years ago.  Someone must have noticed the wooden crosses rotting away and had the foresight to install metal pins, one of which is shown in the second last photo, at the head of those graves.

Although untended and lost in time it's still a beautiful spot.     

Photographed on May 27, 2017.

North Bench S.D. No. 4145

A small brick schoolhouse near Ravenscrag, Saskatchewan.

It was in operation from 1920 to 1956.

This is a classic design for one-room schools in Saskatchewan.

Photographed on June 13, 2020.

Buff

A sizeable Charolais bull in a pasture near Ravenscrag, Saskatchewan.

He doesn't look all that malevolent or dangerous but I was happy to take photos from inside my car.

Have you ever heard the song "Wooly Bully" by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs?  This handsome buff-coloured beast reminded me of that song.  It's a serious earworm.

Photographed on June 12, 2020.

Prickly Pear Cacti

Some prickly pear cacti on a hillside in Medicine Hat, Alberta.  I love the waxy yellow flowers.

Photographed on June 24, 2020.

Ravenscrag Church

I've driven through southwest Saskatchewan on dozens of occasions but not until a recent trip did I decide to drive into the pioneer town Ravenscrag.  And I'm glad I did!

I love finding an old church in these forgotten places.  This is Ravenscrag Anglican Church and is in pretty good condition.  The inside is spartan but really quite welcoming.

Anglican churches often have interior roof trusses and this one is no exception.

This lovely stencil of grape vines is used as a wall decoration throughout the church.

I sent a few photos of the church to my friend David Carter to see if he was familiar with it.  As it turns out...this was part of his dad's parish from 1934 to 1937.  Over fifty years later David himself took a Christmas service here in 1993.
 
Photographed on June 12, 2020.

In the Hills

A winding road through the hills northwest of Eastend, Saskatchewan.

These gray-leaved shrubby plants are wolf willows.

The multitude of tiny yellow flowers fill the countryside with a sweet and alluring fragrance.

Greenery is abundant here this spring.

Photographed on June 13, 2020.

Bicker Township School

This school may appear small but it's bigger than it looks.  It would accommodate at least fifty students.

There are a few schools of similar design nearby but this one is pretty sweet all on its own.

Sign the blackboard.

Norman Church can be seen just down the road.

Glass block is a common feature in many schools in northwest North Dakota.

A simple and elegant belltower...complete with bell!

This school must have been built particularly well.  Everything is very straight and sturdy, chimney is still in one piece and the belltower shows no sign of stress (those bells are heavy!).  Kudos to the builders for a lasting historical landmark.

Photographed near Bicker, North Dakota on December 18, 2018.

Estuary S.D. No. 3387

A cairn in Estuary, Saskatchewan where the school once stood.

Just north of Estuary is a small cable ferry that crosses the South Saskatchewan River.  The trip takes less than five minutes.  It's fun and it's free.

Photographed on June 2, 2017.

Prairie Rose

My favourite rose of all time...simple and fragrant.

Photographed near Maple Creek, Saskatchewan.

Bethel Lutheran Church

A lovely country church near Fosston, Saskatchewan.

There is a cemetery just west of the church.  About one third of the grounds behind the church are covered by native aspen trees.

The oversize bell tower is a standout!

Most of the names on the headstones are of Norwegian descent.

Photographed on March 18, 2020.