Westhazel S.D. No. 1337

The sky was thick with smoke from the forest fires in British Columbia as I drove from Medicine Hat to Lloydminster this past Saturday.  Smoky skies are, in a word, oppressive but, to my delight  I woke up to clear blue skies the following morning.  I always function better on a sunny day...after breakfast, it was time to hit the road and enjoy the nice weather and visit some of the historical sites in the area.  Westhazel School was just one of many discoveries during my Sunday drive. 

This little one-room schoolhouse is in pretty rough condition but still looks pretty solid.  Hope it stands upright for many more years.   

Glad I had a chance to visit on such a pleasant day.

Photographed near Westhazel, Saskatchewan on July 16, 2023.

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.

All New Again

Remember the little bell tower with the red bow?  If not, click the following link for a quick refresher:  "Щасливого Різдва!"

Today I stopped again at Saint Elias Orthodox Church for another look and found that the old bell house is all new again.

The old siding and roof have now been replaced with fresh cut lumber and cedar shakes.  Now it's good for another century.  Pretty nice!

Photographed near Pakan, Alberta on July 19, 2021. 

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.

Ride Free

A headstone in North Park Pioneer Cemetery.

Photographed near Lea Park, Alberta on July 17, 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.

Welcome to Acadia Valley

Photographed in Acadia Valley, Alberta on July 15, 2023.

A Trio of Butterflies

While gardening at Margaret and Bill's this past Saturday I noticed this trio of butterflies enjoying the nectar on some false spirea flowers.  Flutterbys are always a source of joy and wonderment.

Have seen lots of butterflies this season...a trend I hope continues in the years to come.

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on July 8, 2023.

Madoc Grain Elevators

A pair of abandoned grain elevators in Madoc, Montana.

Photographed on June 18, 2023.

Twins

Time for a rest.

Photographed at (New) Hillside Cemetery in Medicine Hat, Alberta on July 9, 2023.