Prominent landmark disappears from Eston's horizon
By Joan Janzen
A prominent landmark has disappeared from the town of Eston's horizon. Demolition of the Eston elevator took place early Thursday morning, August 13. Residents were able to watch the demolition from a safe distance outside of the fenced enclosure as the process began earlier in the week.
According to information obtained from Eston's history book, Grass to Grain, the elevator was originally a United Grain Growers (UGG) facility. Due to growing grain deliveries to Eston, the 4,200-tonne plant replaced the old plant, which had been constructed in 1952.
John Lenz, a former resident and agent, became the head of elevator operations for UGG and provided much support and guidance in the building of the Eston facility in 1983-84. During its operation, board members and delegates discussed the facility's operations and influenced company policy at the management level.
Eston's history book lists the managers of the plant at Eston as J. Leonard Burge, Douglas Serfas, Perry Penley and Stan Keller.
In 1995 it was acquired by Pioneer Grain, and in 2002 a group of five local farmers purchased the elevator to be used as storage for their crops.
Over the years, the increasing cost of repairs and maintenance caused it to no longer be sustainable as a storage facility. According to Wade Oakland, who is one of the owners, difficulty in securing people to complete repairs, coupled with rising insurance and liability issues, were all considered in the decision to demolish the structure.
PHOTOS BY LOREEN BUSKELL
First bite. An excavator works at the base of the Eston elevator early Thursday morning, tearing into the cribbing while onlookers watch from beyond the fence line.
Down to the wood. With the steel cladding stripped away, the original crib construction is exposed as the excavator opens the wall.
Timber and dust. Close work at the base of the elevator reveals the layered plank cribbing that held grain for four decades.
Cutting the legs. Two excavators work the base while a crew member watches for movement in the structure above.
The last hold. Weakened at the base, the elevator stands on what is left of its cribbing moments before the fall.
Point of no return. The elevator begins to lean as spectators hold their ground behind the safety fencing.
Going over. The Eston elevator tips into a cloud of dust Thursday morning after standing on the town's skyline since 1984.
Down it comes. Dust rolls across the yard as the structure settles into a pile beside the waiting haul truck.
Nothing but dust. A cloud drifts across the grid road minutes after the elevator came down.
What is left. The remains of the Eston elevator sit in the dust as cleanup begins.