Prairie Skyscrapers and Petunias

Grain elevators, prairie sentinels, prairie skyscrapers, prairie icons, prairie cathedrals...whatever you call them they are without a doubt an iconic piece of prairie architecture and history.  I had the chance to get up close with one that is now on private property. It was built in 1928 and was originally located in Lousana, AB. In 1973, instead of seeing in demolished, Mr. Gordon Green bought it and had it moved a few miles to his farm. It was used to store grain but now is no longer in use. It is a beautiful example of one of the few remaining Alberta Pacific Grain elevators in the province. I believe there are 6 left bearing this name: Dorothy (I love this one!!), Meeting Creek, Raley, Castor, Magrath and this one.  I've seen 3, might as well make it all 6 one of these days.

Nightsky Petunias 

I knew this elevator existed and wanted to see it for myself. Once I got there I was happy to see that on the same property was a greenhouse called  On Earth Gardens & Design, and May 1st was their opening day. I was able to get the coolest petunias ever and a white strawberry plant. Say what?!  Oh and I was allowed to wander around the elevator...could this day be any better??

I took my time and took photos of the elevator from every direction. This is the kind of place I'd like to stop at in every season just to take more photos. No matter how many elevators I get the opportunity to stand in the shadow of, I can't help but be in awe of them and what they meant to so many people. Go hug a grain elevator today, if possible...but don't trespass!

In fact I took a little too much time here and only made it home with 5 minutes to spare after school let out. Almost a mom fail in an otherwise perfect day.

Other interesting places found while exploring, I refer to this as a 'good sky day' and I love how the photos turned out:

Prairie Life

Windmill and Barn

Big Sky

Big thanks to Betty at On Earth Gardens, stop by and check our her greenhouse if you're in the area.
Also thanks to my friend BWBandy who made me start a blog and helped me find this elevator.
Thanks to Jason Paul Sailer for letting me know Magrath also has an Alberta Pacific Grain Elevator, another place to add to my list!