Mike Parsons Photography

Mike Parsons Photography Westman Manitoba based photographer focused primarily on two passions;
Capturing the quiet beauty of abandoned prairie homesteads,
And timeless classic cars.

Preserving stories through every frame. Prints available on request.

I need new wheels ...
06/03/2026

I need new wheels ...

Every once in a while, I come across a house much like myself.Wickedly handsome, but terribly shy ..... and somewhat fal...
06/03/2026

Every once in a while, I come across a house much like myself.

Wickedly handsome, but terribly shy ...
.. and somewhat falling apart.

More about this one soon.

"Woody" Wednesday ? šŸ˜³... how the old bones feel this morning.
06/03/2026

"Woody" Wednesday ? šŸ˜³
... how the old bones feel this morning.

Tuesday in (former) Tremaine MB
06/03/2026

Tuesday in (former) Tremaine MB

The McCracken HouseRM of Rosedale MB
06/03/2026

The McCracken House
RM of Rosedale MB

Yes it's Monday.But I suppose it could be worse...
06/01/2026

Yes it's Monday.

But I suppose it could be worse...

The Hanna HouseSometimes a homestead has the honor of preserving one familyā€™s legacy through generation after generation...
06/01/2026

The Hanna House

Sometimes a homestead has the honor of preserving one familyā€™s legacy through generation after generation.
And sometimes a grand old house is blessed to be called home by many a loving family.
As is the case with the Hanna house.

Originally built by Samuel Hanna, a prominent farmer and notably first Reeve of Whitehead.
Iā€™m certain I read, or was told the year it was built, but it escapes me.
I found no mention what so ever of a Mrs. Hanna, but there would be two sons born. John, and E.W., who would take over briefly the operation of the farm after Samuel passed in 1898.

Hugh Gilmour came to Manitoba from Glasgow Scotland in July 1903.
He began working as farmhand to E.W.Hanna in 1904, sent for his wife and daughter Jean in 1905, and took over operation of the farm and residence in the big house in 1906. Though I couldnā€™t descern if the Gilmours ever actually took ownership, or if they simply rented during their time here.
Six more children were born to the Gilmours in this house, then in 1936 the family pulled up stakes and moved to a new life north east of Brandon.
Mrs. Gilmour passed away in 1939.
Mr. Gilmour in 1949.

But the big yellow brick house will almost certainly be forever remembered as the Cross house.
Jack and Marion Cross, married in 1928, came to Manitoba from Woodrow Saskatchewan in 1937 seeking better times after the crush of the Great Depression.
They brought in tow five children and a dog named Billy, when they took ownership of the farm, and with it the grand Hanna house.
My understanding is that life was much improved in their new home. And they were welcomed, valued, and indeed cherished members of the community.
Two more boys would be delivered by stork to the big house. A fine family indeed.

Today the farm is still owned by the grandchildren of Jack and Marion. But sadly, after Marionā€™s passing in 2001 the house has sat empty.
Attempts have been made to keep it whole, but vandals and neā€™er do wells have left the once beautiful and loved home open to the elements.
Iā€™m told the band Police have more than once ā€œattendedā€ the property to remove vagrants and vandals.
So very sad.

Johnathan (Jack) G.S Cross 1889-1966
Marion C (MacIntosh) Cross 1904-2001
R.I.P

Happy Sunday!!
05/31/2026

Happy Sunday!!

Well, it wasn't the spectacular sunset I was hoping for.But a beautiful old house nevertheless.Working on writing up a s...
05/31/2026

Well, it wasn't the spectacular sunset I was hoping for.
But a beautiful old house nevertheless.

Working on writing up a short history, but now ...
its bedtime.

Funny, not funny ...All I can think about now when I look at this image, .. my God the ticks!!Mrs. Sigurdson's House
05/30/2026

Funny, not funny ...
All I can think about now when I look at this image,
.. my God the ticks!!

Mrs. Sigurdson's House

Address

Brandon, MB

Website

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeparsonsphotography/

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