Off limits

This photo was taken on 8 February 2015, when I went for a very short walk at Shannon Terrace in Fish Creek Park. The whole area of the barn and the corral has been made off limits, with yellow tape across the two or three entrances. It’s a rather fine barn and a shame that it isn't kept in better shape. Various windows are open to the weather and there is unsightly graffiti on some of the outside walls.

“The southern Alberta foothills have been closely identified with cattle ranching since the late 19th century. The story of Norman Willans and his family is representative of the many ranches scattered throughout this area.

Born in Rochdale, England, in 1870, Norman Willans and his brother Bernard came to Canada in 1886. After two years of study at Guelph Agricultural College, the brothers learned some of the necessary skills to make a life off the land.

Norman moved west to the Millarville District in 1890 and eight years later married Alice Maud Deanne-Freeman. Together, they lived at the Anchordown Ranch near Millarville until 1901, when Norman was hired as a cattle buyer by P. Burns and Co. Ltd., and the family moved to Calgary.

In 1910, Norman moved his family to the Fish Creek Area and took over from Billy Bannister as the manager of Pat Burns' renowned Bow Valley Ranch. Eight years later, Norman and Alice purchased this land next to the Shannon Ranch and began a mixed farming operation while still working for cattle baron Pat Burns. Norman's "commute" by horse would have followed pathways along Fish Creek from this homestead to the Bow Valley Ranch some 13 kilometres away.

Farming and ranching requires essential buildings to house families as well as livestock. Norman Willans built a log barn for his string of cow ponies and at the same time he constructed a cabin for his wife and children in Shannon Terrace. Constructed from the straight white spruce that lines the banks of Fish Creek, these buildings are a reminder to the rugged lifestyle of men and women who have contributed to Alberta's heritage.” From the information sheet about the Willans Family, by Fish Creek Provincial Park.

www.albertaparks.ca/media/3007256/fish_creek_-_willans_fa...