The Hidden History of the Saskatchewan Doukhobors

This past summer, I was taking a drive through rural Saskatchewan, and thought I'd discovered a ghost town.  The cluster of abandoned buildings had clearly been a settlement, but there was no mention of it on my grid map or my list of abandoned towns near Saskatoon.  Upon further investigation, and to my delight, I figured out that I'd happened upon an abandoned Doukhobor settlement.  

The Doukhobors have a fascinating history, having come from Russia in the late 1800's and early 1900's to escape religious persecution (only to find it in other forms in Canada).  Famous for their dugout houses in the sides of the Saskatchewan River Valley, the Doukhobors thrived in Saskatchewan, and maintained their pacifist ideals despite the many trials they faced in the New Country. 

I've provided a brief list of resources at the end of this post.  Even though the community may not be as large and well-known as others who came to Canada in the early 1900's, their journey and legacy is relatively well-documented.  

Below are photos I collected at the Pakrowka settlement near Langham, Saskatchewan.  The settlement seems to be broken up into about 4 smaller remnants but I was told by former residents that the smaller remnants were once connected.

This house was hidden in trees about 100 yards from the barn, above.  Two great-horned owls were not pleased with my visit.

 

The inside of the small house above.  The entire house measures about 12'x12'.

A baby buggy left in the house.

A view of the main settlement from the road.

The settlement was entirely enclosed by a wooden fence with two entry points.

Doukhobor homes were often built with lumber, and used mud to seal the cracks between the wood.

The settlement featured many small buildings like these.  Most appeared to be either small dwellings or storage sheds.

Tools inside a wooden shed.

The Doukhobors believed in human equality and were essentially communist in the way they lived.  However, most settlements featured one larger home, like this one.

The view of the big house from the front.

The mystery of the mint green paint continued at the Doukhobor settlement.  This color was ubiquitous in houses built around the same time in Saskatchewan.

A steam house, used for bathing.  Every Doukhobor settlement was said to have had one.

Seating inside the steam house.

The oven in the steam house.

The third part of the settlement.  This barn was entirely empty save for a raccoon skeleton.

A baby's crib inside a building on the third settlement.

A grain storage shed at the edge of the third settlement. 

A house on the third settlement.  Appears to have been occupied as late as the 1970's.

A few excellent resources on Doukhobors of times past and present:

• The Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan "Doukhobor Settlement" and "Doukhobor Philosophy"
• RootsWeb
• The Doukhobor Cultural Society of Saskatchewan
• Doukhobor Geneaology Website
• Spirit-Wrestlers

The Beckett House Near Kinley, Saskatchewan

On a lone trip to the RM of Perdue, I came across this gorgeous house and homestead.  From my research, it appears to have been occupied as early as the 1910's, and lived in until the mid-1970's.  The Beckett family, who owned the home, were immigrants from Minnesota and frequently socialized with the Millers, a family I've previously profiled.  I absolutely love this house - enjoy!

The Beckett House

Other buildings on the homestead

View from the homestead.  In the distance is the Kinley, Saskatchewan grain elevator.

Inside the house.  

The living room.  Notice the white chair - my family owns identical ones.

Ladder to the attic

Upstairs

View out the back door.  

Portraits of Carl Only Took a Bribe of $25

My son HATES to have his photo taken.  I think it might be because I go overboard telling him how handsome he is.  A few days ago, I really, really wanted to get an updated photo of him.  After intense negotiations, we agreed on a bribe that cost me $25.  Best $25 I ever spent.  He even let me brush his hair!