Cossack School Sign

A handmade sign at the site of a one-room schoolhouse that opened in 1931.

The following is a direct quote regarding Cossack School from the book "Pioneering with a Piece of Chalk" by William Peter Baergen:

"Opened in January 1931 by Annie Sawchuk

(Antoniuk), who taught at this school from 1931

to 1937. There were 17 students from Grade 1–7.

By the spring, enrolment had increased to 24.

She lived alone in a 10’ x 12’ shack, which

caused her to become very lonely, to the point

of sickness. She visited each family on foot.

Closed in 1952."

The sign bears the names of Cossack's students, but not that of the teacher.

Photographed north of Smoky Lake, Alberta on September 20, 2021.

Lesje Church

A cold winter's day in North Dakota.  It was a few hours on the road before I reached my first planned destination of the day: Lesje Church.  I wasn't sure what to expect but was astounded by the size and overall beauty of this country church and cemetery in the proverbial "middle of nowhere."

Lesje Church could easily seat a few hundred parishioners...large and handsome with a welcome that is embracing.  

It reminded me somewhat of the church I went to as a child though on a much grander scale.  As a youngster I went to the Swedish Baptist Church in Midale, Saskatchewan where, by my early teens, had decided the motto of the church was: "you can do anything you want...as long as it's not any fun."  And so, being a teenager, I had my own ideas about things.  But you know, through all that teenage angst I never lost respect for those who felt close to the church and always wished them well and maintained a number of good friendships with both young and old parishioners.   

Several stained glass windows decorate the walls, entryway and transoms...all of which are well conceived and designed for the church.  The old-fashioned altar is beautiful and the spaciousness is grand to say the least.  

Lesje Church was built over a century ago and I can't imagine how these Norwegian settlers managed to build and decorate such a splendid country church.  But they did, and the church and grounds are still well kept and inviting to strangers like me who pass by on a cold winter's day. 

Photographed near Roth, North Dakota on December 15, 2018.

"Ghost Church"

Rudser Lutheran Church stands like a "ghost church" on a country road in northwestern North Dakota.  At one time the centre of activity for miles around...now all covered in white and home only to ghosts of the past.

Still a lovely place...obviously well respected and well kept.  Bless those who take care of our history.

Can't believe it's been over five years since my visit.  What I remember is the beautiful fall weather and that it simply felt great to be out on the road.  Happy trails to you!

Photographed near Zahl, North Dakota on October 28, 2017.

Abandoned House near Wasel

Must have been a pretty nice house back in the day.

Photographed near Wasel, Alberta on September 19, 2021.

A Beautiful Place Out in the Country

A lovely Sunday morning at Negrych Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery.

Every once in a while a place evokes forgotten memories, déjà vu or some fleeting emotion that's simply difficult to describe.  My short visit here was all that...wrapped up like a present for a truly wonderful experience.  It's one of those things that I will not soon forget.

It's good to slow down every now and then to enjoy those special moments...whatever they may be.     

Photographed near Venlaw, Manitoba on my birthday in 2022.