Sunset from Finlay Bridge

A scene like this is the reason I always have my DSLR with me. I was driving across Finlay Bridge last week and knew I'd stumbled onto something really beautiful. It was only about 10 minutes away from being dark, and the setting autumn sun was creating a stunning scene along the riverfront. 

The high contrast shadows on the clouds were reflecting off of the calm surface of the South Saskatchewan River, and between the autumn leaves and sunlight, everything was bathed in gold. It was one of those scenes that we've all seen numerous times, on this particular day however, I seemed to be in the perfect spot to actually capture it.

Alexandra Junior High School

Constructed in 1909, Alexandra used to be Medicine Hat's major school in its early days. Today it's a middle school, and looks dramatically different than it did originally. In the 1970s the old school building was demolished after a fire significantly damaged the structure. A modern school took its place. The original stone block that used to sit above the front entrance of the original school has since been incorporated into a mural sign on the front lawn. Similarly, the original cornerstone was preserved and a new one was added to mark the 1972 addition / rebuild.

On a side note, this is where I went to middle school. Much like when I revisited Medicine Hat High School, I couldn't help but reminisce about my time spent here while wandering the campus again. Truth be told, I like middle school a lot more as a memory.

I recently found a vintage postcard from the original Alexandra School that was mailed in 1913. Have a look at this addition to my collection here. 

Alexandra School ca. 1912

Original stone block from the entrance of the old school building.