Waseca, SK "The Little Village With a Big Heart".

We stopped at Waseca last June on our trip to Saskatoon. I'd taken photos of these elevators previously, however, since I like that they aren't painted and showing their age, I wanted to take some more. That's great for photography and shows up best in black and white, I think.

These elevators are privately owned. I ventured into one of the elevators to grab some shots. It seemed to be abandoned or at the very least, neglected. It made for some interesting photos. I'm sharing just a few here.

Wooden grain elevators in Waseca

The weigh station area

The elevator section

The vehicle tracks indicate usage

Memories of Plato 1905-1980

 We remembered Plato from a previous trip through this area and quickly stopped this past June (2013) to take another record shot of the standing elevator. The local residents have a written history of Plato. I've linked the section on grain handling here. If you click on the drop down menu you can go to other sections as well. An interesting read.

Lucky Lake, SK

Lucky Lake is a small village in central Saskatchewan that still has a standing wooden grain elevator. We stopped here on the way to Saskatoon this past June (2013) to take photos of the elevator and look at what the village has to offer. It looks like a village that still depends on the farmers and ranchers in the area for its existence. I imagine that oil workers are another source of income for the motel and restaurant in Lucky Lake. It was good to see another standing wooden grain elevator as so many are being torn down in the name of progress. This one looks like it's well used and in good shape.

Lacadena, SK

On our trip through the southern part of the province in June, 2013, we came across another Saskatchewan grain elevator that we hadn't seen before. This one is situated in the wide open prairies and seems out of place here. Apparently, this area was settled around the turn of the 20th century to farm and to ranch. There's some history online if you go here. It's a remote, tiny community. I took the usual photo of the elevator which shows it in total isolation.

It seems only fair that I also include a photo from further away to show that it is not entirely by itself and does have some life around it.
This is the nature of living in much of Saskatchewan--wide open spaces with much distance between neighbours. There is a sense of togetherness, nevertheless, as their very survival depends on helpful neighbours.

Kyle, SK

We came across another wooden grain elevator that is still standing and in use. It's in Kyle, Saskatchewan. This hamlet has a population of around 400 residents and is situated in the southwestern part of the province. It was a sunny day when we drove through this June (2013). We stopped long enough so that I could grab a few photos. It was a relief to see that another one of these prairie icons is still standing in Saskatchewan.

Birsay, SK

We made a point of exploring some less driven roads in Saskatchewan this past June (2013) and came upon some grain elevators we hadn't seen before--like this one in Birsay. This hamlet near Lucky Lake, SK has a population of about 45 residents. It strikes me as amazing that the grain elevator still stands in this secluded section of the province. When I took this photo it was evident that the elevator was still being used. Wonderful!

White Bear, SK

We just made another trip to Saskatchewan and found some more elevators to add to the collection. This one in White Bear, Saskatchewan, is not easy to get to as it's on a gravel road. The elevator is listing badly and looks like it could fall down at any moment. It represents the dying off of wooden grain elevators. In spite of the decrepit condition of this elevator, it makes a great photo. I've added some effects to accentuate the lines and the vast blue sky.

Rockglen, SK

We stopped at Rockglen this past June (2012) on our way through southern Saskatchewan. We had something to eat and drink and were amazed that a village could survive in such an isolated area. Farming and ranching is likely what keeps the village going. I searched for Rockglen and came across a YouTube video of collected photos and memorabilia of Rockglen. It's 10 minutes long, so unless you're from the area you might find it a bit long. At the 7 minute mark, or so, are some great photos of Rockglen from a distance putting it's location in perspective.
One wooden grain elevator is still standing-- a visual reminder of days gone by.

Neville, Saskatchewan

According to Wikipedia, Neville is a small village of around 70 citizens and is located on Highway 43. Neville remains a viable community renowned for its low cost of living, negligible crime rate, stargazing and bird watching opportunities, clean air and sunshine.

I had to snicker when I read the description of the village, particularly the part about the "negligible crime rate". With only 70 inhabitants it would be hard not to know who did the crime, I'd think.

In any case, a grain elevator still graces the horizon at Neville. It was pouring rain when we found this elevator, so I took the photo out of the car window. Taken in June of 2012.

Limerick, SK

The village of Limerick, Saskatchewan, was named after a place in Ireland. It's population is about 130 inhabitants.
In June, 2012 we drove into Limerick to take photos of the grain elevator that's still standing there. It seems like it's out in the middle of nowhere, but that's typical for much of southern Saskatchewan.
The joke about being able to watch your dog run away from home for days must have originated here somewhere. :>)
It's good to see that the elevator still stands and appears to be in use by the local farmers.