In the foothills of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, Andy McCracken, a septuagenarian, takes a moment to contemplate before dialing his late father’s number on an antique rotary telephone under the sunlit sky in late July. Standing inside a small wooden structure next to a graveyard, he engages in a one-way conversation through the “wind phone,” a symbolic device connecting the living with the departed.
Perched at nearly 1,900 meters above sea level, Mountain Park Cemetery in Yellowhead County boasts the highest elevation wind phone in North America. Installed by the county in July, this unique feature allows visitors like Andy and his wife Anne to communicate with their deceased loved ones. The McCrackens, who have secured a plot overlooking Cheviot Mountain, have a deep connection to the area, as Andy was born in a nearby coal mining community where his father served as the mine doctor.
Mountain Park, established in 1911 along the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway line, flourished until the coal mine ceased operations in 1950, transforming the bustling community into a ghost town reclaimed by nature. Today, only the cemetery remains, serving as a poignant reminder of the town’s rich history and the struggles endured by its residents.
Madison Sharman, the heritage co-ordinator for Yellowhead County, recounts stories of the town’s past, highlighting the railway as its lifeline to the outside world. The close-knit community found solace in simple pleasures, organizing foot races and dances to foster camaraderie in the remote wilderness. Despite the challenges of frontier life, the cemetery stands as a testament to the resilience and hardships faced by early inhabitants.
Visitors to Mountain Park Cemetery are greeted by poignant reminders of the town’s past, including infant burial sites and graves from the Spanish flu pandemic. The tragedies and sacrifices of the mining era are also evident, with 17 known deaths attributed to accidents in the coal mine. Through volunteer efforts and county support, the cemetery has been restored, preserving the legacy of those laid to rest there.
As the McCrackens reflect on their chosen resting place, they find solace in the peaceful surroundings and the opportunity to be reunited with the mountains that hold special significance in their lives. Yellowhead County’s commitment to maintaining the cemetery ensures that the history and stories of those interred there will endure, welcoming visitors to pay their respects and honor the lives of those who once called Mountain Park home.