Bents

Bents Saskatchewan

Story and photos by Chris & Connie. Additional images by Allan Arconada.

Notes:

We’ve photographed and written about hundreds of abandoned places before, and many ghost towns too (browse BIGDoer.com and see). The report we’ll be presenting here will be a wee bit different from the norm however. We’ll not only talk about our subject and its history, Bents Saskatchewan, but we’ll touch on the struggles the land owner is experiencing due to the rise in “Ghost Town Tourism”; specifically the ugly side of that activity.

This is shortened (REALLY?!) and editorialized version of an internal document produced for the Saskatchewan Government. They’ve started noticing what’s been happening and wanted to know more.

The Town:

Bents, a lonely and remote place on the vast central Saskatchewan plains, born and died in a generation. As communities go, it’s was late-comer, springing to life in the late 1920s (listed as January 1st 1930 in official documents), when the railway came through the area. Never amounting to much, and I don’t mean this in a disrespectful way, but simply in terms of size, only a handful of people ever lived here. It was a tiny little dot on the map that lasted only a short time.

There are a couple houses here, a small train station, now gone, two grain elevators, one gone, a hall, famous for it’s rip-roaring parties, a general store that sold everything, and a single street.

Bents Saskatchewan

Bents Saskatchewan. a tough article to write.

↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ Scroll down for more photos and to comment ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓

The town was located in the CPR’s Rosetown Subdivision, a line built on the eve of the Great Depression. Bents was reached in 1929-ish – more southern sections were not completed until 1931. This stretch of track was one of the last laid down during the crazy railway building boom of the 1910s and 1920s. On the prairies, lines were being built in every direction of the compass, often without thought of their long term viability. They’d built into an undeveloped area (and for a time there were a lot of these on the great plains) in hopes that a population would soon follow.

This could be seen as a “cart before the horse” mindset, but it seemed to work. For a time anyway.

The track traveled south from a connecting line at a place called Purdue, passed through Bents on it’s way to Rosetown and points beyond. Old CPR records mention it was conceived as a conduit for Drumheller (Alberta) sourced “domestic” coal destined for the city of Saskatoon, a plan that never really materialized, and to allow farmers in the region easier access to grain markets.

In the end, traffic was never that great and while it struggled on for many decades, the line was doomed. The southernmost section was pulled up in the early 1960s, while the one through Bents lasted until the late 1970s. One of the last built, it was one of the first closed – regulations at the time made abandoning a line hugely difficult, and for permission to be granted for this one to be pulled up meant traffic must have been something just short of abysmal.

Passenger service, while it was offered, was infrequent, one run in each direction per week, and lasted only a couple decades as best we can determine. It was provided by a coach tacked on to the end of a passing freight train (a slow train to anywhere). It’s not known when the station was torn down, but was probably just after that service ended.

There is one grain elevator standing in town today. It was built in 1928 for the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and was closed around 1977, roughly concurrent with the end of the railway line. The “Pool” was farmer owned and was the largest grain handling firm in the entire country and remained in business until fairly recently.

The second elevator was also built in 1928, for the United Grain Growers, a long time and good sized player in the industry. That firm sold the building to the Pool in the late 1960s. It was not odd for these types of transactions to occur or for a firm to have more than one outlet at any one loading point. It closed and was torn down in the 1970s. Why the other survived, when this one didn’t, is not completely clear.

On the town’s main (and only) street, was Longworth’s General Store. The economic heart of the area they sold damn near anything one could think of, food, hardware, housewares and what ever else a settler in the area might need. In one corner was a post office and in back a small cove used a cold room. Fuel was also sold and some globe pumps used to stand out front. In the hungry 30s much credit was dispensed here. I bet a few of those accounts are still open.

Upstairs was a residence. The family that live here, the Longworths, raised a great many children in this small space. Not only was it cramped, clearly it was not all that well insulated. The norm: freeze all winter and cook all summer.

Need to do your business? The biffy’s down the stairs and out the back door. So much fun in a Saskatchewan snow storm!

This false front building has been exposed to the elements for a time and has settled but still seems quite solid. Birds have found their way inside, leaving their calling cards everywhere. Humans have even made an even bigger mess. More on this soon enough.

The store/post office operated from the late 1920s until the early 1960s.

Bents Saskatchewan (3)

Many people have photographed these skates – we’re the first to do it with permission.

There are two houses in Bents. One, the smallest example, belonged to a huge family. How did settler’s stuff so many kids into such small dwellings? The other belonged to an auctioneer. No one seemed exactly certain when the last person in town moved out but looking at stuff left behind, old papers and the like, we could guess the early 1980s or perhaps somewhat later (the town “officially” dissolved earlier, when Longworth’s closed).

Between the dwellings is a rather interesting building, a hall used for meetings, socials events and dances. Lots of dances. It may seem strange for a tiny town like Bents to have this sort of facility but there were a good number of farmers in the immediate area. On the weekends the place would be packed, the booze flowing and the fun lasting well into the night. Or till the following morning. Or all weekend. Those hardcore party animals!

The Longworth Family was the house band and the stage where they once performed is still in place. The structure dates from the early 1930s.

This building was later used as a grainery. It clearly very solidly built and looks pretty straight and true even after all these years. Of course there is bird crap everywhere.

Prior to the town being founded the general region was known as Piche. Bents took its name from an area in Scotland.

The People:

Ken, a hard nosed no-nonsense kind of guy, owns Bents and lives and farms not far away. His family ran the store. Barbara, his mother and a real dear, grew up there. He will be our guide when we tour the town. Both will tell of its history, him in person and her, by phone (she was the sweetest interviewee ever).

The Problem:

People showing an interest in and visiting old and abandoned sites is nothing new, it’s been going on as long as there have been places like that around. Even so, on a serious level anyway, it’s somewhat of a fringe pursuit. It’s growing in popularity though, exponentially it seems, and is morphing and now has a name: Ghost Town Tourism.

Most who do it, do it right. They’ll arrange permission or simply shoot from a public spot (road or whatever), will respect the site and never do anything unsafe. They’re the good guys.

Some are not. There is an dark and nasty side: trespassing, people putting themselves in danger, theft and vandalism. It happens more than most are willing to admit. The trouble comes from a small group. As is often the case it’s a few trouble makers that do most of the damage.

Be sure to comment on this post (below pictures).

This “problem” has been on our minds for quite a while now, bugging us a great deal in fact, that we arranged an interview with a fellow who owns a ghost town to see their take on it all. Finding such a person was not a huge challenge, finding one who wants to speak on the record, was however. Not many wanted to talk with us, for one reason (which was BIG on our minds too) – will the story expose a site to more visitors and hence further problems? Yikes, that’s a hornet’s nest! But it needs to be addressed.

In the early stages of this plan we were approached by an big-wheel in the Saskatchewan Government (which we can’t name), hoping we could provide some insight on the very same subject. Someone there is taking notice. Odd but very good timing.

The Field Interview:

We arranged to meet with Ken and his wife Cindy at their home then travel as a group to Bents. Interestingly they live in a old converted school located at a lonely crossroads, an abandoned gas station located nearby. That he owns a ghost town and sort of lives in another is in itself hugely interesting.

In typical BIGDoer fashion we choose to do an unstructured and impartial interview, one that was loose in form and free flowing with no prearranged questions. It also had be free of bias and agenda – WHAT WE FELT DID NOT MATTER – we made no attempt to sway the conversation nor insert our opinion into the dialogue (although we are clear with our readers what we see as a solution, as hated as it’ll be).

The only plan: we’d wander about Bents and chat. We’d talk about this and that, bouncing from subject to subject. The memories flowed out, problems were spoken of and for much of the time we’d be lost in conversation, Connie acting as scribe and our dear friend Allan, a great photographer who rushed up here with minimal notice, snapping pictures as we went (Connie and I would take a few too).

Ken spoke of his family connections to the town, recalling his elderly mom (we later interviewed her by phone) who along with a good number of other siblings, was raised in the upstairs apartment. They reared that many kids in that small a space?

He’d point out little things. Here’s the second story clothes line. That’s the car parts “warehouse” (the store literally sold everything), all the while recalling this event or that. We could have filled up an entire book with what he (and his mother) said and feel rather guilty that it’s not all included here. Editing is a part we hate.

In back we’re shown the outhouse. Who doesn’t like looking at place where people crapped? Imagine having to do your business on a blustery cold Saskatchewan winter! “Watch it, the well is open. This house is where so and so lived. They raised a butt load of kids there too. This is the dance hall, built by my grampa. The parties held here were legendary.”

At times the mood would become more serious. He’d speak of the difficulties associated with owning a ghost town. Nearly everything’s that was not nailed down has been swiped by trespassers. There used to gas pumps out front, gone one day and now on display at a local museum – they stole them then later donated them. What nerve! It broke our hearts.

If Ken’s was breaking too, he hid it well. But I can’t help think he was more moved than he let on – we saw hints of it. People with tough exteriors often hide it inside. Cindy was a bit more transparent and we could often tell what she was thinking and we’d say it wasn’t always happy thoughts. Barbara was much like Ken, tough as nails, but deep down I sensed she was saddened at what she heard what was happening too. She lives not far away but rarely drops by.

Then there is the vandalism. Most windows are gone, stuff is thrown everywhere (that stuff that hasn’t been stolen that is), things have been knocked over and broken. You get the idea. You could sense Ken’s growing frustration as we talked. Most of it’s happened in the last half dozen years or so. I guess we can blame the internet here. Word travels fast online – the place is a ghost town lover’s dream, mostly intact and amazingly picturesque – we touched on this as being a problem too. How can people resist its charms? Bents is spell binding. But it belongs to someone else, a hard fact for some to accept.

Bents SK

The view of “downtown”.

Theft, destruction and plain old trespassing, they’re some big problems. His greatest worry are the dangers people are putting themselves in. Old buildings can be unstable and it’s not getting any better, wood is rotted, bits of metal are buried in the grass. There are land mines everywhere and it’d be easy for someone to get hurt. We totally get his concern. People exploring abandoned places often don’t think and take great risks. Must…get…that…special…picture! “Ahhhh!” Splosh! “I’m stuck in a well!” How long before someone breaks an arm or leg? Or worse?

No trespassing signs have been posted but it’s clear they’re often ignored. Or pulled down. With them gone, I guess some visitors don’t really fathom they’re entering private land (but it still doesn’t make it right) or at best know they are…but if there’s no sign it must sort of/kind of be okay. That’s a stance even some of the good rule following people take. For the any number of reasons, a few become temporary converts to the dark side.

If someone phones up Ken asking for permission to visit Bents, it’s denied (we’re not giving his number). His reasons must be clear if you’ve read this far. Sadly, those he’s turned down have painted him as gruff, difficult to deal with and a real asshole. We spoke with many and they all said such. Or worse! “Watch out Doering, he’ll eat you alive!”

Honest moment! Based on that reputation and a somewhat uncomfortable initial phone call with him, we we’re a bit worried.

It’s all sour grapes and based on our interactions his reputation clearly unfounded. He was nothing but pleasant, likable and incredibly accommodating. But then again, we treated everyone as they wish to be treated, respect and take an interest in them and it opens all kinds of doors (oops, trade secret given away). Even if someone says “no” to a request does not make them a prick.

We had so much fun with Ken we stayed for a BBQ back at his place. All those people were right, what a bastard…

Anyway, he laughs it all off. He’s only protecting what’s his. It’s his, not mine, not yours, his. Some ghost town explorers take exception to that.

Back on topic…

He spoke of loosely organized groups arriving in buses and taking over Bents from time to time. Pictures of the town show up all over the internet. Heck, the store and elevator even appear in the opening titles of a TV show. A lot of people come here, that’s obvious. Not one was given permission. He says we’re the first.

Many assume since the place is abandoned or looks so, one can enter it freely. Food for thought: most of these places, even if it doesn’t look like it, belong to someone.

Ken’s become so frustrated with people coming he’s contemplating just leveling the place, or taking the hall back to his property and demolishing the rest. Sounds a bit drastic, but with nothing else working he feels it’s the only alternative. I don’t for a moment thinks he wants to, but he might be driven to it. After a while, with the problem unending and overwhelming, any sentiment is out the window. In one day, he can make it all go away. Sad perhaps, but the alternatives are…?

With every unauthorized visitor the dreadful possibility that it’ll be bulldozed into oblivion looms ever closer. Look up a town called Farrow Alberta and see what happened to it. Will Bents Saskatchewan follow it into history?

The BIG question:

What then, does Ken want with Bents? Easy, he’s linked to it in a special way. We all have family treasures, just his is an entire town. That he does not wish to share with everyone is his business.

The Solution:

Is there one? Yes, but only one, for now anyway, and no one will like it. You’ve been warned. Simple, Bents is on private property, so please don’t go. If it was ours, we’d let everyone in, escorted of course, but it’s not.

We’re fully prepared for the hate mail and the pleas (nothing new to us). “But…but…but…it’s so photogenic…we’ll be in and out and no one will know nor care…how dare he not allows us to visit…what a…!” I’m fully expecting the “can you get us/me inside Bents?” requests too. Sure, Paypal us $1000 and we’ll see what we can do.

We anticipate being called hypocrites. You’re ghost town explorers and got to go there, but tell us to stay away? What? Really? Do we sound preachy? Most definitely yes.

We went in, not to rub it anyone’s face. We hope in some way, this write up will help save the town. Maybe we can make people think. It’s better to have it, even if it’s not really all that accessible, than to NOT have it at all. As they say…”given the options”…

We spoke with Ken about having an outside group obtaining or managing the Bents town site, which he seemed receptive too. But we have to accept this is one pie-in-the-sky longshot. A pipe dream perhaps? Any benefactors out there? Anyone?

Epilogue

This report was a long time coming. It was written, rewritten, edited and edited again, at times a total mess before it was all abandoned and the work started over. Several times! This author spent an endless number of frustrating hours working on it and then there was day after day of a horrible debilitating writer’s block where NOTHING moved, a first for me.

Don’t forget to LIKE or SHARE this post.

The reason for the long and drawn out gestation period was sort of hinted at earlier, We know this write up will be seen by a good number of eyes and worry we’ll only encourage more people to attempt a visit to the town instead of the opposite. Our intentions are honourable and true and our goal was to do what we can to help save the place in what ever little way we can, But will it backfire? Will the problems only worsen due this very article? Will people see these photos and flock there, causing further harm?

Off the Beaten Path – with Chris & Connie: those dickheads that put out the hit on Bents Saskatchewan. This concern stalled the report for many, many weeks. I worry we may have to pull the article, and are fully prepared to do so, if it does opposite of what we hoped for.

Please show respect. Bents is on private property.

Miscellaneous Notes:

This interview was a blast, eye opening and often sad at times. A whole gamut of emotions was seen that day. Ken gave Connie and I a BIG hug when we were done. That, I hope, says we’ve done something good here. We must be the first and only ones who took the time to see his side.

Thanks:

Ken, Cindy and Barbara, Allan Arconada, Jon Dirks too (you know what you did), we owe you all a GIANT debt of gratitude.

More Saskatchewan…
Whitepool.
Neidpath Saskatchewan.
St Joseph’s Church Courval SK.

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

Date: June, 2015.
Location: Middle of nowhere, Saskatchewan
Article sources: Ken P, Barbara P, Saskatchewan Wheat Pool records, CPR archives.
Bents Saskatchewan is on private property. We visited with permission.

  • _________________________

    BIGDoer.com: Doing it Different!



    Something to say in private? Click here to: Reach Us!
    NEWS!First TimersFAQMeet the Team
    BIGDoer.com on Facebook

    If you liked this post, please tip your server…



    Or

    © 2012-2024 Chris Doering, Johanna (Connie) Biggart & the BIGDoer.com Society. 🍁🎀

Bents SK ghost town

From the dance hall…

Bents Saskatchewan store

Longworth’s General Store (1929-1962).

Store Bents Saskatchewan

They sold anything and everything here

Bents Saskatchewan (1)

Birds make a mess, people do too.

Bents Saskatchewan (2)

These shelves once held all manner of merchandise.

Bents Saskatchewan (4)

The room in back (red frame doorway) was the post office.

Bents Saskatchewan (5)

Wandering about and simply talking.

Bents Saskatchewan (6)

The apartment above the store.

Bents Saskatchewan (7)

The dance hall – band stand in back.

Bents Saskatchewan (8)

The elements and vandals take their toll.

Bents Saskatchewan (9)

Intact windows are a rarity at abandoned places.

Bents Saskatchewan (10)

Group photo time – (l to r) Chris, Ken, Connie and Cindy (Allan on camera).

88 responses

  1. K. Murray says:

    I have been using a BING photo of Bents as a lock screen image for nearly a year. Only had the haziest of ideas about the reality of Bents. Decided today to research and I came across your webpage.

    Soooo interesting. I felt a sweet melancholy reading the story of this weensy hamlet and its people. And… I never knew that such a thing as ‘Ghost Town Tourism’ existed posing such a headache for property owners.

    Finally, I will place that Bing image into my photo editing app and add the name of Bents, Saskatchewan to the picture, along with a wee bit of history.

    Thanks a-gazillion for your worthy effort to memorialize that sad town. -K. M. 10-2022

    • We’re not completely convinced this article accomplished anything in the long run, we’re glad so many people like it. Appreciate the comments.

  2. Carol in Arizona, USA says:

    Thank you so much for the article – well written by the way – and the photos! Amazing how history in Canada is flowing along like in the U.S. We too have 20th century towns that popped up and then abandoned – some because the mines ran out of ore or a newer interstate freeways replacing older established interstates. A lot of them in Arizona were totally destroyed by the either the mining corporations or by the state. So Bents is special!!! A real shame about the vandalism and wouldn’t blame Ken if he flattened the buildings and recycled the wood. Idea – Contractors are always looking to BUY “old weathered wood” for renovations and/or remodeling projects. Just a thought.

    P.S. Imagine using an outhouse in the dead of winter! Plus the children were probably home schooled?

    • Sorry for the delay…we’re back. It’s so sad when a town dies, where ever it may be, and Bents in particular demonstrates it to the extreme. It’s a true ghost town. Funny, we always ask that same question when looking at old outhouses – how did they handle it in inclement weather? So we’re thinking the same thing. There was a school nearby, we understand. Out in rural parts back in the day, there were thousands, and one never terribly far away. Glad you liked the pieces. It was an interesting experience.

  3. William J Kerwin says:

    Great article! Maybe the Canadian Govt should spend the surplus funds on fixing their crappy medical system.

  4. Scott says:

    Wonderful article! I hope Bents remains with family as a good memory and hopefully be restored if at all possible. These are memories worth sharing.

  5. robert says:

    Ghost towns are so sad. I think about the trials and happiness of the people that were there, Christmas’, the children’s laughter and the lonely teddy bear and the ice skates, wondering where their owner has gone!

  6. /DW says:

    Wandered over from BW’s blog. Great write-up. Hast thought of doing a follow-up story?
    Has anything changed for the better?

    • Thank you. Last we spoke with the owner, admittedly a long time ago, it was more of the same. Signs and fences get put up and soon after are removed. And more stuff goes missing. In all frankness, that tells us what we did here was a failure. Was worth a shot though I guess. Going back has crossed our minds, but we cringe at the thought of seeing the buildings further deteriorated. That’s always a tough thing to deal with for us.

  7. Shin Fujinami says:

    I’ve seen many photos of Bents recently on Facebook and near everyone is saying permission was given to go in. Have things changed?

    • You’re the second person to contact us on this today. To the best of our knowledge…seems at least some of these people are getting the okay to go in from someone (on a farm nearby) who doesn’t actually own the town nor has the authority to allow entry. At least these photographers are trying…and you can’t really blame them for not knowing.

  8. Colin Catts says:

    The selfishness of some photographers. They only care about themselves.

  9. Linda says:

    I just read this. Thank you for the education. I’m recently retired and getting back into photography. I was googling properties just like Bents and was unaware of the impact my new hobby would have. I’m sad for these towns and their owners, as well as for myself. But now that I know the reality of it, I cannot unknow it, and will act accordingly. Now that I’ve read your article, I realize they are not really abandoned homes, are they? They have owners like any other private property so they should be respected like any other private buildings.

    • Greatly appreciate your comments. Yes, most abandoned looking places typically have an owner, even if it appears otherwise. Searching them out (go to the nearest farm and ask and if not them, they’ll know) and getting permission is the proper route to take. It’s not hard and often, in our experience, they’ll say yes. And in doing that, the place survives to see another day. Have fun out there!

  10. Raye whitfield says:

    I knew the Longworths the older generation anyway. all very musical,they played at my Mom and Dads wedding and their 50 th. They were also auctioneers.my oldest brother was going to marry one of the Longworth girls,but he was killed in a car crash.
    for a long time the Longworth”s hosted a fall beef BBq, they had a pit north of town

  11. Eric May says:

    An excellent and well written and thought out article. It’s sad but the trespassing and vandal segment of society will always be with us and the internet makes everything so much more exposed. I’ve posted some photos to railway websites of old heritage items hoping that I wouldn’t be the person that caused the item to disappear.

    • Thank you for taking the time to read this post. It’s a long one, but we feel the message is important. Seems you understand it. Most people don’t, sadly. Have a great week!

  12. Paul von Huene says:

    While it could be argued that a landowner has the responsibility to post his land, legally, it is not required, assuming it is fenced.

    • The land has been posted, but people keep removing the signs. I think he’s sort of given up. I get why people want to come here, it’s stunning. At the same time, I fully understand his position and respect it. Too bad, not many others do.

  13. An excellent read, Chris! Thank you so much for all your research and care in writing this article. Many thanks, too, to Ken for being willing to talk with you and show you around and express his feelings. I shared the link for this fine article under a rather ordinary photo of an old barn (taken from the road, of course!) that I posted on Flickr this morning.
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/annkelliott/31419019983/in/dateposted-public/

  14. Shaun says:

    A fascinating article and in truth I have been there several times and always with permission,it is very sad to see the extent of damage that has occurred between my visits. The isolation and the peace one feels when there is simply amazing. The wanton destruction of something that should be a heritage site frustrates me, I can only imagine how it must feel to see something you own being thoughtlessly destroyed by those who have little or no respect for anything, not theirs. It never fails to amaze me that people can drive out of their way to these places with an intent to only cause damage.

    • Amen! The disrespect shown these places is truly heartbreaking. Some of the worst offenders might even be familiar to you. One “trophy hunting” photographer, who I bet you know, was caught moving stuff about the town, including a swing set that was once anchored in the ground by a house for decades, to a spot in front of the store so it’d line up better for his extra special aurora shot. This guy and others like him could give a crap about their subject as long as they get likes and shares and pats on the back. Sigh. Shaun, thanks for taking the time to do it proper. Impressed. Big fan of your work too.

  15. Teegan B says:

    Hi Chris. I would like to speak with you about Bents. Could you contact me at xxxxxxx@gmail.com? I loved this article. Made my heart very heavy for Ken and his family.

  16. Hugh says:

    Is there a nearby public road from which to photograph the Bents elevator?

    • Yes, if you look down the old rail line from the nearby road, you’ll have a great view of the elevator. Thanks for respecting that it’s private property.

  17. Ted V. says:

    Chris, thanks for writing on this subject. I was raised to respect the landowners, to obtain permission before entering their land. It makes me angry, also, when others trespass. I do not know how many times I have been thanked for getting my photos from the road. Again, thank you.

    • It’s hard sometimes to resist the temptation to enter an abandoned site, even if one is knowingly trespassing, when no one’s about. I’m mean no harm right, no one saw it? Most abandoned places are owned by someone, which might seems odd but it’s true. Many people forget that. Glad you can show restraint. By doing this we keep these places from being demolished.

  18. gaylene facknie says:

    I grew up a mile from Bents. My old house is still there. It doesn’t look very good either, but I love to see it still standing tall. I have visited Bents and my old home without any permission over the years. I only took pictures and just looked at them. They hold so many memories. When I am there, it makes me feel peaceful and happy. I don’t care if they almost fall over, but PLEASE do not destroy this heritage! It is SO important to keep this alive! If any way I can help, please let me know. I am sorry about not asking for permission. I was told years ago that was not necessary by a family member. How do we go about asking permission? I will certainly abide. Please reconsider taking this away from us.

    • Permission is a touchy subject. I’ll pass your name on to the owner, about all I can do. But don’t hold your breath. Let’s hope the place stays standing. Love that you’re from the area. I would love to chat with you sometime.

  19. Dean Mayes says:

    We need to have Bents as a designated heritage townsite. The Americans have tons of gold mining and Wild West towns that are major tourist attractions. I’ve heard about Goldfield, Arizona that the owner fixed it up from ruins and now it’s flourishing with tourists. The Canadian government even has a budget surplus this year, in my eyes they should send every penny to create awesome tourist destinations in Saskatchewan and begin with Bents and make other ghost towns as awesome as they were in their heyday.

  20. Jason Sailer says:

    I am glad that the seriousness of exploring abandoned properties has been brought to the light for a good discussion. It is a subject that for the most part is not talked about, and if it is it is in hushed tones. It is a tricky situation from our point (the explorer who wants to record history) to the actual person who owns these relics / properties. I can understand their point of view as well for not wanting trespassers on their property and dealing with that headache….

    Many landowners just demolish / burn the abandoned buildings, even when no trespassing signs are posted on the property. We can look at Farrow, a ghost town in Alberta that was visited by many after photos of it were posted. Many went out to the town and many were not kind to her. Things were stolen, broken, damaged. The landowner demolished and burned it down and now you wouldn’t even know a town was there. Sad for the ones who with the right mind (like me) would have like to record it, but that is how it goes unfortunately. Even when a person visits a ghost town, and returns after a few years they would notice the destruction and the items going missing. It is sad to see it occur.

    It is true the landowner has some responsibility to go out and ensure the signs are up and the buildings are boarded up. Mind you most people respect that and don’t enter, but there are some that do and that’s where the trouble starts. People seem to have a conception that it’s OK to enter abandoned properties even though they are still owned by people and they could get in trouble.

    I know you were worried about the article, but I am glad you wrote it Chris and am glad you and Connie went out to talk to the owner to get his take on this. I would have loved to explore Bents, but I will not go unless otherwise invited by the landowner! Bents needs to rest in peace, not in pieces!

    • Lots of good points. Signage is important, but as you said is often ignored. The way things are going, I can’t help think Bents will be Farrow all over again.

  21. ChiefJusticeJ says:

    Lots of jerks out there.

  22. Josh Pelton says:

    Your story is excellent and quite heartbreaking. Sad to know what people have done to Bents.

  23. Raymond Corey says:

    I went to this place years ago and snapped some pics with my crappy point and shoot. I was thinking of going back, but will respect the owner’s wishes.

  24. Alyssa says:

    What we should do is get bents designated as a municipal heritage site and then work on getting it back into shape to become a provincial heritage site. Then it cannot be destroyed by the land owner.

  25. Mary Ann says:

    OMG, what a sad story!!

  26. Arl Lane says:

    Absolutely wonderful article, thank you so much for sharing Chris.

  27. Robert Boyd says:

    Excellent article. I had the pleasure of touring Bents in 2008, and of the many ghost towns I have visited over the years, it was one of my favourites. I can fully understand where Ken is coming from – I have seen first-hand the effects of vandalism, and sadly, all it takes is a few bad-asses to ruin it for everyone else. It seems like posting “no trespassing” signs has little effect. I would have liked to visit Bents again on my next trip to Saskatchewan. However, I will respect his wishes.

    • So far nothing he’s done has worked. I bet if everyone behaved themselves, he wouldn’t feel as he did. But as you say, a few ruin it for all.

      • Raye whitfield says:

        I am also guilty of going into old town sites that I did not know were privately owned. I only went to reminisce.
        a few years ago I went to look for Bents and Valley center but could not remember as I have not been there for a long time,mid 60s

        • Given the abandoned state of everything, it’d be easy to assume no one owns it. I’m sure a lot of people go in with that mindset. No trespassing signs may be put up, but they’re often torn down just a quick. It’s a tough time for the owners of these places.

  28. Ken McCutcheon says:

    (via Facebook)
    Great article and expose (ex PO say) Chris. Who would have thought….Ghost Town Vandalism.

  29. Vickie Davis says:

    Where can I read the rest of the comments on Bents, I can only see the first 8. you can reply to my email please. I grew up 4 miles from Bents.

    • All the comments, 28 as of the writing of this response, can be viewed below the pictures. Keep scrolling down. I’d love hear what stories you have about living in the area.

  30. April Trayhorn says:

    I drive by their just to be able to imagine the stories my Grandma tells me about when she was growing up and went to Glen Eagle school i cant wait to show this to her thank you.

  31. Chris & Mary says:

    I must confess that we have visted Bents. As with many other abandoned sites we have seen and photgraphed,we are always carefull to take nothing and leave nothing. As we grow older ourselves, we find that we are drawn to these representations of our childhood memories. There many sites in my home area near Gardiner Dam that have fallen to the ravages of time and weather and have left no sign that they ever existed. It would truly be sad for Bents,or any other site to be deliberately destroyed. We live less than an hour away from Bents, and if an atempt at preservation were to be made I am very handy with tools and would be thrilled to volunteer my time. Remembering our history is the only way to ensure our future!

    • Thanks for commenting. We’re sort of pushing the idea that the place should be preserved by some group although who that would be and how it all would financed, we haven’t a clue. Please visit back often and email or message us for updates.

  32. George Andres says:

    A great article and well written. In my line of work I was in that elevator several times in the 1960’s.

  33. curtis says:

    Great read. For being edited and gone through so much as you said, you would think grammar, spelling and missing words would be non-existent. Other than having to sometimes insert my own words it was a good article. Thank you.

    • It’s a compliment, of sorts, so we’ll take it. To quote an overused maxim, “if I had a dollar”, in this case, one for every spelling, grammatical or punctuation error, or any other seen on BIGDoer.com (plus another for every time I quoted a cliched saying), as it goes, I’d be rich. If I had one for every time these boo-boos were pointed out, it’d be doubly so. That you did it with tact, is appreciated. We’re usually called out in a much more blunt fashion.

      Thanks for commenting and come back often!

  34. Jim Hewitt says:

    It’s like throwing a bone in front of a dog and expecting him to ignore it.

  35. Kim (Kasal) Neumann says:

    Interesting write up. I grew up in Aylsham Sask. I used to listen to the old folks talk about the great town Aylsham was when they were younger. I think there are 150 people there now. I now live in Colorado. There are a lot of Old Gold mining Ghost towns in Colorado. There is a book published with photos of the towns and buildings. Some have directions to them. Many do not. In the write up of each town they tell you which towns are on private lands and if you want to visit that you need to contact the owners. Some they say there is no visitors allowed. You talk about people falling in wells. Many of the Colorado Ghost towns have the worry of falling in an old mine shaft. Same concern, if you live how long before someone else comes along to help you. I do not know how many people follow the rules with regard to the old Gold mining Ghost towns. I do know that if you want to get to some of them you better be a very good hiker/mountain climber. Good luck with your mission.

    Seeing this article makes me wonder about the town of Moose Range. When I was a kid there were two people living there. My dad had farm land in the RM of Moose Range. There was a house on the property, long gone before he acquired the property.

    • We’ve heard from a lot of people who’ve grown up in SK. I guess the article made them think of home. I’ve heard about all the mines there in Colorado. Lots of them I guess.

  36. Brent Parkin says:

    It’s interesting that you say nobody has ever visited with permission. I lead a group of Regina Photo Club people to visit the site years ago when I was the President. It was with permission. So they do from time to time allow people to visit the town.

    It is a wonderful spot for sure and sadly some people do unthinkable things when they find these places.

    Enjoy what you do!!!

    Regards,

    Brent

    • The owner insisted, and his wife agrees, he’s given no permission but then again, he’s not owned the land forever. In the past someone else did and perhaps that’s who you dealt with. Also, there is another person in the area, who by name is connected to Bents who has been known to give his okay, even if though he’s not the one who owns the townsite.

  37. Jack E. LaRocque says:

    (via Facebook)
    My Dad lived there when his Father was the operator of the Pool Elevator…. Thanks for the look…. Dad did actually travel back there, in the 70s or 80s, and I seem to recall he found some satisfaction in at least finding Bents….

  38. Tim says:

    I remember my dad hauling grain there in the mid 70s sometime. I remember the store being open then. I think its terrible that people have to destroy things. Not only here but other old houses and buildings. Even though I don’t live that far from Bents I’ve never been in the buildings so I find the pictures that you have posted amazing. Thank-you…

  39. Kelly says:

    I’m not usually one to comment however this was a huge eye opener! I am guilty, I love going and taking pictures of these beautiful places (from a far … usually the road) however there has been a time or two where the property was in the middle of no where (literally no one anywhere near) so I got up close! I don’t destroy or remove things … just take pictures! But that being said I will definitely think twice next time! I have never put myself in the shoes of the property owner and didn’t think people would be rude enough to steal pieces of history from a property that doesn’t belong to them. Don’t blame them for not wanting people on their property.

    • We’ve all been tempted to enter a place we knew, in the back of our minds, was off limits. It’s natural to want to explore abandoned places. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

  40. S Donald says:

    You can’t own a piece of history like that and not expect people to be interested. As I see it there really isn’t much choice for him. He doesn’t want people on the property, he denies people when they do ask permission and he can’t police it properly. He really can’t say anything about the way people have perceived him because he seems to have judged all people as thieves and vandals.And if I remember Saskatchewan weather then Mother Nature probably does her fair share of the damage too. Let’s face it she loves doing her own vandalism to abandoned buildings left like that to rot.
    It seems you have documented it quite well so salvage what he can to donate or re-use and then tear it down. Problem solved.

    • That people are interested in it is not the issue. We all know a ghost towns or an abandoned place is a natural attractant, no one, even the town’s owner, is arguing that. If everyone played by the rules, one should not need to erect anything more then some no trespassing signs for it all to work. He has not branded everyone as a thief/vandal/trouble maker, it’s just he has no way to differentiate good from bad, so everyone is asked to keep out. Weather and the elements destroy too, agreed, but that’s natural and not malicious, a big difference. Thanks for commenting.

  41. Connie says:

    Loved your story. I have a love of old buildings. I have taken many pictures but always from the road I cannot understand why people who damage or destroy old buildings. Many have the attitude that it’s doesn’t belong to anyone so it doesn’t matter. They are so wrong. They are destroying a part of someone’s history something that can never be replaced. Thank you for bringing the subject up into the light.

    • You bring up a good point. Most people think if it looks abandoned, it does not belong to anyone and it’s open season. Most ghost towns/old farms/whatever are owned by someone.

  42. I’m glad you wrote this post. I’m sure it was difficult to write and it’s difficult to know where exactly to land on issues like this.

    On the one hand, I would say that even if “no trespassing” signs get torn down, the landowner has to keep putting them back up. It’s part of the responsibility of being a landowner, especially of a ghost town that many would assume is owned by the province and therefore more or less public domain.

    On the other hand, the landowner should not have to put up with people tromping through their buildings, and definitely should not have to put up with any vandalism.

    Definitely something worth talking about. I hope others weigh in with their opinions.

    • Thanks for commenting Steve. I think we’ve only just scratched the surface here. This article has legs and is getting shared far and wide (what we hoped would happen), and maybe this will start everyone thinking and talking.

  43. Lila Cugini says:

    Well done Chris, and enjoyable and sad read….. I have never been to Bents and I shall not visit. I will respect the private property and, instead enjoy Allan’s photos of this little historic piece of Saskatchewan.

You cannot copy content of this page

Please log-in to continue...
This allows unrestricted access to every post @BIGDoer.com, popups are eliminated,
commenting is on and the "contact us" page is enabled.

Esc to close this box.

Lost Password?

Or...

Your social site may send you a routine notice of login.

Or signup, here: Subscriber Register
___
BIGDoer.com: Serving up POP HISTORY & other McFun!…(Mmmm, yummy bite-sized pieces.)
One million plus words & tens of thousands of photos!