Johnnie Bachusky and his ‘ghosts' are coming to the Innisfail Historical Village on July 16.
Diane Mineault, executive director of the Innisfail and District Chamber of Commerce, said Bachusky's presentation will be featured at the Chamber's regular monthly luncheon, which this month has been turned into a picnic. “We wanted to have a family friendly event, and our picnic at the historical park is just that. It was also a perfect mix to have Mr. Bachusky speak of western Canadian history at the village with his passion for the topic,” said Mineault.
Bachusky has been a ghost town photographer and writer for close to 30 years, with expeditions to hundreds of desolate locations and thousands of photographs.
His books, Ghost Towns of Alberta, Ghost Towns of the Red Coat Trail, and Ghost Towns of British Columbia capture his solitary sojourns from British Columbia to Saskatchewan in pursuit of hamlets and hovels, long since abandoned by those who once called them home.
“I am very passionate about ghost towns, elevators, and the preservation of their existence,” said Bachusky. “When towns like Orion, Farrow, Netherhill, Fielding, and Chancellor lose their residents I am fascinated at what happens to the buildings and people. As ghost town structures decay, there is an elegance to the process that must be captured. My photographs endeavour to reflect the noble ghosts that remain.”
There are hundreds of ghost towns dotting western Canada. With ongoing social and economic changes forced on today's once prosperous locales, many are moving towards the same sad fate.
“Part of my journey as a ghost town chronicler involves expeditions across landscapes and traveling roads far less traveled,” said Bachusky. “Last year I focused on Alberta Coal Branch towns, and this year, I will soon be taking a trip to Saskatchewan and Manitoba which I am looking forward to.”
Bachusky will be speaking on ghost towns at the Innisfail Historical Village on July 16 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. during the Innisfail and District Chamber of Commerce picnic. Admission to the grounds will be by donation and the luncheon will cost $13.50 per person. Call Diane at 403-227-1177 or go to www.innisfaillive.ca. Further information on Bachusky and his work can be found at www.nobleghosts.com.
