Bexhill, Saskatchewan

Bexhill, Saskatchewan (Louise Kenward, 2014)

Bexhill, Saskatchewan (Louise Kenward, 2014)

Bexhill, Saskatchewan (Louise Kenward, 2014)

Bexhill, Saskatchewan (Louise Kenward, 2014)

The reason Bexhill is here at all is the train line. In 1912 the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) extended the railway line to just outside of a town called Leeville which promptly changed it’s name and moved to link to the line. The town became Assiniboia, which recently celebrated its centenary. Some time later the CPR built track south of the town and grain elevators were built to enable farmers to transport their harvest more efficiently. The first stop south of Assiniboia was named Bexhill in 1927. 

The elevator served a community for almost 50 years. After transport developments, with more farmers owning trucks rather than relying on horses and wagons, it was easier to drive the 5 miles to Assiniboia. The elevator closed and was later demolished. Bexhill was relinquished to the history books.

While conducting research in the UK I was repeatedly told “there’s nothing there” “you’ll be disappointed” and given the distinct impression of ‘not to bother’. Alas, I am not put off that easily. The more intrigued I became. 

Arriving here yesterday I was met by Art. Art was the last farmer to deliver to the elevator at Bexhill. His father farmed Bexhill land, where his son now lives and works. We went exploring. 

Art, Louise Kenward (2014)

Art, Louise Kenward (2014)

Art, Louise Kenward (2014)

Art, Louise Kenward (2014)

Still a sign, he had a hunch it was still there. And today, after yesterday and this afternoon we found the remains of the elevator. There is no base, no building remains, but there was this. Definitely elevator Art said, and a can that carried the grain.

elevator remains, Bexhill (Louise Kenward, 2014)

elevator remains, Bexhill (Louise Kenward, 2014)

(slightly crumpled) can that carried grain, Bexhill )Louise Kenward, 2014)

(slightly crumpled) can that carried grain, Bexhill )Louise Kenward, 2014)

We also visited the museum today which has a ‘Bexhill’ sign and replica of the elevator that stood in Bexhill.

Bexhill elevator and sign, Assiniboia Museum (Louise Kenward, 2014)

Bexhill elevator and sign, Assiniboia Museum (Louise Kenward, 2014)

So much more than I expected, the area is so peaceful we sat and listened to the birds for quite a while. Two deer jumped across the tracks and I saw a snake. Three ticks removed, two wet feet after stumbling into the well overflow and new friends of Art and Rosalie who have been so generous with their time and warmth. 

Each community I’ve visited I haven’t known what would greet me. Everything was an unknown. But each time I have been most struck by humanity and kindness. Circumnavigating the globe I have again and again been overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers. A cliche for a reason, I am now on the final leg of my journey and have encountered so many people with no reason to be nice to me at all, but time and again people have been so generous. 

However, this is far from over and I still have much to say about Bexhill, Sunbeam Farm and Canada. To be continued….

2 thoughts on “Bexhill, Saskatchewan

    1. admin Post author

      Hi Brian
      Thank you, that was well spotted. Yep he was sporting his London one in the morning and Great Wall for this photo. Many travelling tales shared.
      Best wishes
      Louise

      Reply

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