A short drive from Stony Plain to Spruce Grove took us to the Alberta Wheat Board grain elevator that we'd spotted more than once going about the routine business of shopping! Having some time on our hands and to get the girls out we headed off to explore this landmark structure.
In 1933 there were 1800 Primary Elevators in Western Canada. However by 2003 only 389 remained and that number has continued to decrease significantly. This is why the preservation of the Grain Elevator in Spruce Grove is essential. The loss of the Grain Elevators in Western Canada is the loss of a unique part of North American history and culture associated with the Canadian Prairies.
Built in 1958, the Spruce Grove Grain Elevator was in operation until 1995 (when it was due for demolition). The Spruce Grove and District Agricultural Society then stepped in and prevented the demolition. It is now being maintained as a Historically Designated Museum. It is the last remaining wooden Grain Elevator on the CN Rail line west of Edmonton.
We were welcomed at the elevator by an experienced tour guide but also his 'apprentice' in whose hands he left us. It was the very first tour she had given but explained the workings well and we asked lots of questions, most of which she could answer. It was surprisingly to learn of how many storage areas there were in the elevator used for different grains from different farmers and different qualities. Once the farmer delivered his grain to the elevator it's quality would be assessed and a price agreed. The grains are then dumped into a 'basement' from where they are elevated to the top of the building and through various channels get dropped into storage bins. The grains get dried if it has too high a moisture content, stored again and eventually get 'elevated' again only to be dropped through chutes into a well positioned rail car from where the train (often more than a kilometre long) takes the grain off for processing.
The unfortunate thing (probably only for me) was that we were not allowed to climb to the top level of the elevator, we had to stay firmly on the ground floor.
Also at the site is a water tower that has been relocated from another location after it fell into disue and was in danger of rusting away.
1 comment:
SO interesting - I knew there was a decline in the existence of grain elevators but I wasn't aware of the significant number! - Too bad I had to work this day, grateful the girls got out of the house with you, I know they came back excited :)
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