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A grain elevator just north of Carman, Man., was torn down at the end of August, marking the end of an almost century-long era for the community of Barnsley.
Photographer George Penner of West St. Paul has dedicated years to capturing the essence of grain elevators, Ukrainian churches, and railway stations through his lens. His passion for architecture has fueled this hobby throughout his retirement. Penner visited Barnsley over the past few years to photograph the structures, with his most recent visit taking place this June.
While it saddens him to see the elevator go, it's an unfortunate reality we face these days.
"I mean, the first ones go hurt more than the last ones because we know that they're not practical for usage anymore," he continues. "It seems pretty expensive and not very feasible grain storage anymore, even for farmers."
The grain elevator was built in 1928 and shut down operations in 1972, according to facts from the Manitoba Historical Society.
The very rundown condition reportedly led to the demolition of the building.
While seeing elevators such as Barnsley come down is inevitable without upkeep, Penner hopes that more efforts will be made to preserve the elevators still standing tall.
"It's unique architecture, and that's what drives me to them," notes Penner.
"I'm old enough that when you drove down the Trans-Canada Highway, you could always see the next town from miles away because you saw a grain elevator, and that doesn't happen too much anymore."