Cecil P Heffernan

Back on February 2, 2018 I posted:

"On a hunting forum I read in some parts of Alberta there are a few solitary graves that hunters run across in the middle of nowhere. One grave they specifically mentioned in the forum and had a photo of was for Cecil P. Heffernan. The dates on his headstone were 1902 - 1915. The exact location was not mentioned. The people on the forum wondered what happened to Cecil. I was curious as well."

A friend, David McKinstry, who lives near Oyen, Alberta did some research and found out what happened to him and where he is buried. His help was invaluable. On June 10, 2020 David and I visited the place in person. Cecil P Heffernan died in a hunting accident. He was out hunting and accidentally shot himself while crossing over a fence. He died before they could get him to a hospital and they buried him where the accident happened. The nearest hospital in those days would have been close to thirty miles away as the crow flies.

His grave is fenced off to protect it. It is on a spot of empty prairie with nothing around for miles. I found out that he has relatives in the area.

If you did not know the grave was there you would not be able to find it. Off the gravel road you have to walk about two hundred fifty metres along a fence line. You keep walking until you spot it.

"In Memory of Cecil P Heffernan 1902 - 1915

Rest In Peace"

There is empty space like this in every direction.

Dorothy Grain Elevator

So here, for your approval, shots of the 1920s grain elevator remaining at Dorothy, Alberta which was closed in the late 1950s.  Now roofless, its future hangs in the balance, hopefully it will be rescued and preserved for future generations! Visited in July, 2017.

www.facebook.com/JasonPaulSailerPhotographics

- Jason Paul Sailer

A different kind of Canola photo

Spotted this on July 16, 2018. Off in a Canola field was a fenced area and a sign. Zoomed in and saw that it is an abandoned cemetery. I will have to take a closer look in the fall when the crop has been harvested. A nice little place for a cemetery. 

The benefit of a telephoto lens. The sign says it is Parr Zion United Church & Cemetery 1931 - 1947. Located south of Hanna, Alberta.

Pandora\Hutton Cemetery

A old abandoned cemetery south of Hanna, Alberta. The name of the cemetery is no longer on the sign. It has not been in use for at least eighty years. Someone made an attempt to mow part of it. Major work would be needed to clean it up.

You can see the remnants of the name on the ground. "Hutton" on one piece, "Pandora" on the other.

The cemetery is overgrown with Caragana.

Hard to see who is buried here. The two graves in the background had four pillars linked with a chain. The chain is no longer there.

Simple metal signs with welding for letters and dates.

A rock for a headstone. J.H. Rice 1856 - 1917.

Probably the nicest marker here.

Another rock for a headstone. E.M. Townsley 1847 - 1914.

Out in the Special Areas

I was out with Michael Truman (who contributes to this blog) on Sunday July 15, 2018 spending the day exploring the area around Hanna, Alberta. We had a great time checking out some local forgotten history. I learned a few things from Truman and we have a lot of the same interests when it comes to exploring. I was polite enough not to subject him to my tastes in Country music. While looking for an old cemetery we accidentally flushed out this owl. The owl flew to a pole off in the distance and perched there looking annoyed.

For some reason I have seen quite a few owls this year. These are not great pictures but I thought I would post them anyway.

Curious antelope

Usually you can never get one to stay long enough to get a photo. I got lucky a second time this year. Out and about in rural Alberta near Hanna last Sunday and managed to find one that was just as interested in me as I was in him. I managed to get a few photos. This is the best one.

Third Time's the Charm

Our gracious host has visited this pioneer school on two occasions, both those times being in the winter months.  I've decided to be a rebel and post photos of this stately old school taken in the summertime...in fact, these photos were taken just a few days ago on a big, blue and breezy day with lots of cloud action in the background.

Third time's the charm.

Not far away is a sign marking the original location of the school.

The original posts of Fairacres School can be seen here:
Fairacres School October 8, 2016
Fairacres School

- Michael Truman

Remains

What is left of a stone house near Cessford, Alberta. The house was built about one hundred years ago and was occupied for just a few years. I have posted this before on a prior visit. This time on April 22, 2018 it is in worse shape. A few more pieces are missing. The winds in Alberta are unforgiving. Someone is trying to save what is left as there are now metal supports bracing the walls. 

It looks lonely in black and white.

Check the windows

Nice to have spring finally arrive. I took a short trip on Sunday and ran across this abandoned farm near Cessford, Alberta. I am not much of a fan of taking photos of abandoned vehicles, this one did have some character.

Behind the car is an abandoned house.

I learned to check trees, old barns, and abandoned houses for owls from a friend of mine. I never really paid much attention before. Now I try to give them a look. There was a Great Horned Owl in the window. So the place is not totally abandoned, there is at least one resident.