'They're like little art structures': new book highlights prairie grain elevators
A new book is putting a spotlight on the structures that once defined the economy of prairie provinces.
‘Grain Elevators: Beacons of the Prairies’ is a collection of images and stories of the buildings.
“They’re like little art structures out on the prairies and they’re very colourful, so I really just enjoyed shooting them for the way they looked,” said Chris Attrell, photographer for the book.
Eighteen years in the making, the book is a collaboration between Attrell, who contributed the images, and local Manitoba author Christine Hanlon, who contributed the stories and histories of the prairie sentinels.
“It’s been 18 years of cruising down the back roads all over the prairie provinces,” said Attrell. “Most of this was done in the days before GPS phone apps when you just cruised around with a map from the gas station.”
Attrell did not know if the end result was going to be a published book. Then a publisher out of Nova Scotia contacted him and put him in contact with Hanlon.
“She had done some really good books on the history of Winnipeg so it made a perfect match with her great writing and research skills and my photography,” said Attrell.
One of Attrell’s favourite images may soon be impossible to recreate. It is a grain elevator in Elva, Man., located in the southwest corner of the province. He said it is scheduled to be demolished sometime this year.
These towering landmarks are often the only reminder of the towns that once stood beneath them. Their loss, according to Attrell, is often a precursor to the demise of the community they once served.
“As soon as they take down the grain elevator and the rail service stops, it doesn’t just change the economic pattern of the town, but it also changes it a little bit as the social fabric,” said Attrell.
Many communities have taken it upon themselves to preserve instead of destroy grain elevators. Attrell cites Plum Coulee as an example.
The elevator sits on Main Street and is open for tourists to come and see and even go inside.
When asked what people will miss most as more of these structures come down, Attrell said it is their dominant position in the prairie skyline, often serving as a waypoint for towns many miles away.
“It’s been an extraordinary fun process. I can’t imagine how many kilometres I must have put on and flat tires but worth every effort,” said Attrell.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.