Loganston

Back when built close to a hundred and forty years ago, they called it Loganston. Out on the lonely Saskatchewan Plains, it’s a stone house, craftsman built, elegant in design and of which we’re in awe. The effort and skill that went into it is incredible! Empty and abandoned now, the building’s been ravaged by time and a failing wall may be its undoing. Come join us for a look around and be impressed.

Due to circumstances, this was a brief visit (in 2019) but the Team quickly made plans to come back the following year. (Udpate 2022:) Then you know what happened, and this project has been in a holding pattern ever since. Damn endless pandemic and its game changing ways. Anyway, we’ll do a quick history here and then something with more substance should we return (and we’ll die trying).

Built by a Scottish stonemason immigrant in the years 1884-1885, it was given a name as was common back home. It even looks like it’s from the old country. Just put some sheep out front, and you’d think you’re back in East Ayrshire.

There’s a fair number of stone houses in this general area, in towns or on rural properties, but the one you see here was the first. In those early days, this was a hinterland with few settlers and even today, it still feels far removed from civilization. Over several days of wandering and exploring, we saw almost no one.

There was also a stone barn on the property, but it’s gone now. We looked in the grass for evidence, but not knowing exactly where it may have been in relation to the house, came up empty. All we got from the experience is soaking wet clothes and more than a few bug bites.

Interesting tidbit: when the house was built this was not Saskatchewan but rather the Northwest Territories of Canada. Provincehood would come in 1905 and the rest, they say, is history.

A couple and their six kids called Loganston home and their last child was born here. The family left about 1906 and sometime after a new resident moved in. Reports suggests the home stood empty for a time in between but information is sketchy at best.

Then the trail goes cold and we’re not sure what happens in the years to follow. Scouring history books offers no solid answers and so we presently know nothing about later owners, if any, when the house was last lived in and so on. There’s so many gaps and it drives us crazy.

If we do a second visit (and we’re serious about it) we’ll make every effort to dig deeper and uncover more. These types of projects are intensive and sometimes we just don’t have the time or resources, as was the case here. One thing is clear, the house has been empty for some time.

Peering inside, there’s little in the way of possessions left behind and that’s not surprising I guess. There’s remnants of old wallpaper, bits of plaster and lathe, but little else. Frost heaving has caused the building to shift (and afflicts many stones buildings in this rural area) and one wall appears close to collapsing. Should that happen, the rest is surely to follow. The passing decades have been hard on this old prairie home, and while perhaps when built thought steadfast for all time, even the strong succumb.

We wonder what we’ll see on a future visit and worry it’ll be nothing but a pile of stones. We’re scared to call around and even check for updates. That’s the one thing we hate about doing what we do – knowing very well the clock is ticking for the places we document and that when next we see them, they’ll likely be in worse shape.

Or gone.

There’s lots of new content coming down the road, so stay tuned!

They’re saying…

“The photos made by Chris and Connie are exceptionally good. Their research is very well done and they are happy to share their work with others. They are preserving our visual history. I highly recommend “Off the Beaten Path” and encourage others to use their services and help this fine couple along.” Marion Kelch.

More from the province…
Backroads Saskatchewan – Random Finds!
CFS Alsask Dome – Cold War History!
Zion Lutheran Church – WOW!

If you wish more information on what you’ve seen here, by all means contact us!

Date of Adventure: August, 2019.
Location(s): Southern Saskatchewan.
Article references and thanks: Steven S and local history books.
Loganston is on private property.

The old barn.

Welcome to Loganston.

A cautious peek inside.

Expertly made, but ravaged by time.

A failing wall may be it undoing.

It goes back to the 1880s.

Stone buildings are not uncommon in the area.

It’s been vacant and empty for a long time.

Lots of skill and work that went into it.

In awe of its beauty.