Eaton Board of Trade

By Frances Hansen

The Eaton Board of Trade was founded in 1918, only weeks after the first settlers arrived on the present townsite. Almost immediately it became the organization in charge of everything that was not sacred to the government or church. Although the board concerned itself with recreation and culture, its primary task was luring new businesses and settlers to Eaton.

Some records show that the board was instrumental in organizing the hockey and skating association in 1920. Almost immediately it became the Eaton Rink Association, then the Eatonia Rink Association in July 1921. After WWII, the board aided in the preparation of building the Eatonia Memorial Arena, and was involved in the operation of the facility for many years. Eventually the arena, along with other recreational facilities, became the responsibility of the newly created Eatonia & District Recreational Board.

Throughout its years of service, the Eatonia & District Board of Trade were highly involved in the community, sponsoring summer fairs (which eventually became Sports Days), encouraging the CNR and STC bus service to extend their routes through Eatonia, and even attempting to attract a bottling service and cheese plant. In its final years, the organization strived to bring an electrician, dentist and shoe repairman to town (although this venture was deemed a disaster when the repairman disappeared). However, the board was able to help sponsor the motorization of the Prelate ferry, local educational services and the installation of water, sewer and natural gas in Eatonia.

By 1980, the Eatonia & District Board of Trade dissolved, but was revived in 1988 under the new title of the Eatonia & District Chamber of Commerce.

- An excerpt from “A Past to Cherish”