Alberta Grain Elevators

How I wish I would have taken the time to photograph all the Alberta grain elevators that I passed growing up! They seemed like a part of the prairies that would last forever. But as trucks got more powerful, faster and larger the elevators were not needed any longer. Today many communities still exist but you would never know. As the elevators no longer mark the location of the community.

Visit the grain elevator art gallery to order online

Years ago as I rode my bycyle across the prairies. The elevators in the distance gave me something to work towards. I knew that there was a town or a city near the elevators. That meant I could stop for food.

When I drove across the prairies years later in a vehicle the elevators were a place for fuel and food. In bad weather I could always plot my way. When I caught a glimpse of an elevator the name would confirm my location. They were like islands on my drive. Something you could count. Something you could admire from afar.

If you have ever had a chance to look at the inside of an elevator the wood that was used was AMAZING!! Considering the age of the elevators and to think that the wood was shipped across the prairies to build them is so cool. The wood was large, it was solid and it was HEAVY!!