For Dion Manastyrski the history of the Prairies is a beautiful story of trials, tribulations, and the success in a harsh land of those generations that came before us. His decision to document and share the history of the Prairies through his fine-art book, Prairie Sunset: A Story of Change.
The book focuses attention on buildings from across the Prairies: abandoned houses, barns, schools, churches, and more are interwoven with stories of prairie life and a look at historic documents which helped shape the Prairies.
“I made eight trips across the three prairie provinces between the years 2003 and 2014 to photograph the old rural places which are slowly vanishing, and to interview about 70 people, mostly retired farmers, one-room school teachers, and other people of the rural prairies,” Manastyrski explained. “I talked with numerous people in their 90s, and the oldest person I talked to was a one-room school teacher who was 105 years old. I combined all this with old photos from government archives.”
“I wanted to capture the photos and history in a compelling way, to spread interest about rural prairie history… to show how diverse and remarkable the story of the rural prairies has been since the Homestead Act and the beginning of settlement. I also wanted to show the importance and enjoyable way-of-life of the family farm, and the importance of supporting our small towns.”
Looking through the pages one can’t but help wonder what kind of family lived in that house and what their lives were like or what the kids were like when in that old school house – what did they grow up to be and do.
“The photos may capture your imagination of lives that were filled with hope, dreams, and hardship,” Manastyrski writes in the introduction to his book. “The photos may reflect a union with the environment that is seldom felt in our present times. This union went beyond the success of an investment; it spoke to the core of the challenge to survive.”
The book, which offers 240 pages, of stunning fine-art photos taken by Manastyrski, archival photos and information, as well as many quotes from people he spoke with across the Prairies.
“The idea for this book began in 2003 as an effort to photograph what remains from this era, and over time it has evolved into more,” Manastyrski writes. “This book is a blend of three different types of content that together tell a story of change: a collection of anecdotes from over 70 people whom I interviewed, several historical photos and documents from government archives, and my own photographs of artifacts remaining from this era.”
“I searched for understanding as I explored the homesteads of a vanishing era, and talked to people of the prairies. Collectively they have a remarkable story to tell, and I would like to share this with you.”
The book was first printed in 2015, while a second special version celebrating Canada 150 was printed this year. It was printed and bound by Friesens Book Division in Steinbach and published by Earthpics Press.
“This second printing is a special version for Canada’s 150th anniversary, as the book is about an important part of Canada’s history. It has a translucent band on the front cover, with the official Canada 150 logo on it. Inside are readers’ comments. The band is removeable if desired, and can be used as a bookmark
Dedicated to the memory of his grandparents, the book was a work of love: “My grandparents emigrated from eastern Europe in the early 20th century to become homesteaders in a foreign land. The attraction was land, and a vision of a new life that could promise security, peace, and prosperity to their families for generations to come.”
Manastyrski adds, “After exploring the rural prairies to create this book, I now am out delivering this story back to the people of the prairies. This summer and fall I am travelling to try to get this book in at least one store in every town and city in the three Prairie Provinces. Later on this fall I’ll be posting many photos and short stories about my travels the past few years, and some of the interesting people I met, and about some of the experiences I had and the places I visited.”
The book is available in Carlyle at the Pharmasave and Home Hardware, and is also available in Stoughton at the Stoughton Meat Market.
To follow more from Manastyrski visit http://prairiesunset.ca or Facebook: Prairie Sunset Book.
