Commerce in Caron

Obviously the business of agriculture dominated the commercial activity in Caron. By 1905 the town had 3 grain elevators where the farmers from the outlying farms could bring their grains for transportation by rail. The history of Caron indicates that in fact there were more than 3 elevators at one point and the photographs below confirm that.

   

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- The Saskatchewan Wheat Pool Elevator -

The Saskatchewan Wheat Pool Elevator at Caron was built in 1905. Originally it was operated by the Western Elevator Company but it was purchased by the Pool in 1927. At that time, the elevator was a 25,000 bushel structure with an annex which held another 25,000 bushels. During the 1928-29 growing season, the Pool dismantled the entire existing elevator, and replaced it with a 45,000 bushel wood-clad facility. The elevator was given the name Saskatchewan Wheat Pool #686. The elevator closed in 1973.

 

By 1905 commerce was booming in Caron. There were 2 general stores, a hardware store, a harness shop, 2 lumber yards, a blacksmith shop, a furniture store, barbershop, 2 livery and feed barns, one hotel, a butcher shop, a boarding house, one flour and feed store, and 3 elevators, as well as the Post Office.

 

 

"Main Street" in 1974

In the picture above you can see the old telephone building, obscured by the tree, Stan Coats' store, the Post Office, Bob Dorian's garage and the Community Hall.

Main Street September, 2000

The scene today is very little changed. Stan Coate's store is gone, the Community Hall has a new covering of siding and Bob Dorian's garage is gone. Main Street is now Railway Avenue.

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- Farming Equipment -

When horses were replaced by tractors William McGeorge Crosbie gave up farming to become a farm implement dealer.

Crosbie's Titan Dealership

Clarence Richards on board his first Titan tractor.


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Bob Dorian's Garage

Bob Dorian's Garage circa 1974. Formerly the Reeves Garage. Bob operated the garage from 1954 until 1971.