"F"

Farming Valley School is a one room school near Cereal, Alberta.

This is one of only a few pioneer schools I've seen with the distinction of having a bona fide bell tower...and an oversize one at that!

The original wooden school sign above the covered entryway.

A closer look at the bell tower.  The size of the openings suggest it may have been used as a lookout (though I can't imagine what anyone would be looking out for).

This metal sign is just inside the fence line along the main road. 

Photographed on July 15, 2018.

"E"

Saint Elia Ukrainian Orthodox Church is near Goodeve, Saskatchewan.  The congregation was formed in 1903 by settlers from the county of Halichina, Ukraine.  The church building was completed in 1908.

Farm land surrounds the old church which is just barely standing.  

For over half a century the church was the centre of the community.  A final service was held in August of 1960 after which the church was officially closed.  Saint Elia's parishioners were then left with the decision of joining another church in the area.

One lone spruce tree stands on the outer edge of the well kept cemetery. 

A memorial cairn has been built on the base of the bell tower.

In the area the church is simply known as The Pilipow Church.  The name Nykola Pilipow features prominently on the golden-coloured cast metal bell.

Information courtesy of the Saint Elia Congregation.  (Elia, Elias and Elijah are simply different spellings for the same prophet.)  

Photographed on October 9, 2020.

"D"

Saint Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church was established at Hryhoriw, Saskatchewan in 1907.

The first church built on the site didn't have the domes like the churches in the Old Land so the parishioners soon began collecting for a new church that would make them feel more at home.  Through many hours of voluntary labour and contributions totaling $2300.00 their dream came true in 1932...complete with a central onion dome and two cupolas.

The gate sign for the church... 

...and the cemetery.

The church still stands today as a testament to the will and dedication of these pioneers who came from the village of Hryhoriw in the Buchach County of Ukraine.

Even though a stranger to the area...the dome and cupolas make me feel at home too.

Information courtesy of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon. 

Photographed on March 20, 2020.

Too Close for Comfort

A thirteen-lined ground squirrel going about his business near Smuts, Saskatchewan.

As I approached he crouched down and then I took one step too many...

...his small body stretched out and he was gone in a flash down into the safety of his burrow.  I definitely got too close for comfort.

Photographed on August 4, 2020.

"C"

 

Creston School sits on the open prairie north of  Dollard, Saskatchewan.

It opened in 1927 and for twenty-five years was located a few miles down the road and around the corner when, in 1952, it was moved to the current location where it served another dozen years until its closure in 1964. 

This little school has stood up well against the elements over the years.  

The school rests on the edge of a coulee where the sunlight plays on the hillside.   

 

Photographed on July 12, 2019.

"B"

Brinsley Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox Church was built in 1924.  The shiny brass-coloured cupolas are brilliant against the winter sky.

The cemetery has been in use since the 1910's and is large with mature trees scattered throughout.

Black, white, pink, gray and brown crosses stand on a snow covered slope on the outer edge of the graveyard.

A bell tower is tucked in around the side of the church.  

Little church in the open prairie.

Photographed near Brinsley, Alberta on February 23, 2020.

"A"

Saint Anthony's Cemetary is near Mendham, Saskatchewan.

So many unknown and forgotten graves.

On previous visits to Saint Anthony's I had noticed that the free standing cemetary crucifix was leaning and in disrepair, but...this past summer I saw that it had been replaced by one that was upright, fresh and new.  Thank you kind soul for caring.

Saint Anthony is known as a great teacher as well as the patron saint of lost things, causes and souls.

Photographed on July 14, 2020.

Northern Flicker

 

A flicker enjoying some peanuts out on the balcony.

I shot these photos through a not-very-clean window so what you see is what you get.

She's been coming by for two or three years now.  In the spring she brings her fledglings around to show them where the treats are.

Photographed on January  28, 2021.

Elevators in Domremy

The elevators in Domremy, Saskatchewan.  In the foreground is a former Belle Pulses elevator that processed peas and behind that is a former Pool grain elevator.

Looks like the old Pool elevator may still in private use.

I believe Belle Pulses has closed this facility.

Lots of wildflowers blooming all around the elevators.

Photographed on August 5, 2020.

Country Church

Ukrainian settlers arrived predominantly from the Borshchiv district to the Glentworth, Saskatchewan area in 1908.  

In 1926 they built this little country church and dedicated it as Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church.

There is also a small cemetery...

...with an expansive view.

Don't forget to ring the bell!

Information courtesy of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon.

Photographed on August 9, 2018.