Forgotten Alberta

Still standing. Kudos to @thelostcanuck and the Ogilvie Wooden Grain Elevator Society for saving this century old landmark in Wrentham #Alberta #Canada #elevator #history #hwy36 #explorealberta

A photo posted by Jonathan Koch (@forgotten_alberta) on Mar 4, 2016 at 8:05pm PST

On February 27, 2016 I was privileged toattend a celebration in Milk River honouring Dr. Liesl Lewke-Bogle, RPAP Alberta Rural Physician Award of Distinction recipient in 2015.  On the drive home the following morning, I took a trip up Highway 36, stopping in at some familiar haunts, and not-so familiar places along the way.

Sweet Sunrise. Milk River #Alberta #Canada #morning #sunrise #sweetgrasshills #explorealberta

A photo posted by Jonathan Koch (@forgotten_alberta) on Mar 3, 2016 at 8:04pm PST

The Wrentham General Store, also known as “Ron’s General Store” was listed in the Alberta Register of Historic Places in 1997. According to hermis.alberta.ca: “The Wrentham General Store, built by Oscar Grover, is located on its original main street site in the small farming community of Wrentham near Lethbridge. Oscar Grover, the builder and owner of the store moved to Wrentham with his new bride, Thelma Hirsche, in 1923 with the intention of going into business for themselves. They moved a rectangular shaped building onto a lot on Main Street, installed tanks and a fuel pump and opened a gas station. Over the years a repair garage, and implement, car and fuel dealerships were added. The store was expanded in 1942.” #Alberta #Canada #history #abandoned #hwy36 #explorealberta

A photo posted by Jonathan Koch (@forgotten_alberta) on Mar 1, 2016 at 8:45pm PST

Rush hour in Wrentham #Alberta #Canada #abandoned #redcoattrail #explorealberta #hwy36

A photo posted by Jonathan Koch (@forgotten_alberta) on Feb 28, 2016 at 7:47pm PST

According to Place Names of Alberta v.2, it is generally accepted that Wrentham #Alberta was named by the C.P.R. after a village in Suffolk, England. However, according to author Aphrodite Karamitsanis, some of the locals have their own version of the story: “The original homesteaders were very poor and few had good clothes to wear. When they travelled to the town of Lethbridge, people rented suitable clothing for the trip, from a lady who had the first store in the community. In time, the community became locally known as the place where one could “Rent’ em.” #Canada #abandoned #abandonedalberta #explorealberta #hwy36 #history

A photo posted by Jonathan Koch (@forgotten_alberta) on Mar 2, 2016 at 5:45pm PST

C’mon to Wendy’s. Vauxhall #Alberta #Canada #explorealberta #drivein #neon #summeriscoming #hwy36 @jennspix

A photo posted by Jonathan Koch (@forgotten_alberta) on Mar 8, 2016 at 3:53pm PST

A Prairie Gem. The Alberta Wheat Pool Elevator at the EID Historical Museum in Scandia. Listed on the Alberta Register of Historic Places, the AWP elevator was constructed following the completion of the CPR branch line from Cassils to Scandia in 1927. Following the closure of the spur line in 1977, a group led by local farmer, Earl Taylor, signed a 25-year lease on the C.P.R. right-of-way, acquiring the remaining elevators for one dollar. After nine years of meetings, preparations and construction, the E.I.D. Historical Park was opened at a celebration in September 1983. The park’s main pavilion, constructed from one of the elevators, was named the Earl Taylor Building, in recognition of this pioneer whose passion and foresight led to the preservation of this prairie gem for future generations. Mr. Taylor passed away in 1989. #Alberta #Canada #explorealberta #pioneer #museum #elevator #history

A photo posted by Jonathan Koch (@forgotten_alberta) on Mar 19, 2016 at 10:05am PDT

Related: Earl Taylor – The little cowboy who had big vision