Many of the Prairies’ iconic farm buildings are slowly fading away, but Shela and Jeff Elder are trying to preserve and find a new life for an Eaton’s catalog barn that has been in the Elder family for about 70 years. The Maple Grove Farm Barn was built in 1913, and Jeff’s grandparents, Graham and Marie, bought the Maple Grove Farm in the early 1950s.

Fifteen years ago the barn was moved to its present location. Years of storing barley were taking its toll, and the walls were beginning to weaken. Sheila would like to move the barn a few kilometres down the road to their current farmyard, but a new foundation and moving expenses are just too much.

In an effort to save the barn, the Elders held a community Market and Exposition May 26 to get the community together and to possibly find someone who would be interested in buying the barn and continuing to preserve and give it a new purpose somewhere else. | Sandy Black photos

Amanda and Simon Ellis of Wawanesa, Man., and their children, Lincoln and Hailey, look over art work during the market. | Sandy Black photo

Sheila sweeps up the last few piles of barley and cobwebs as Jeff adds a window for more light for the market. | Sandy Black photo