Two Paterson Grain elevators dismantled in Fox Valley

By Joan Janzen

Many in the community were saddened to see two remaining Paterson Grain elevators dismantled in the community of Fox Valley. The demolition took place on Tuesday, May 19th.

Two Paterson Grain elevators were dismantled in the Village of Fox Valley on Tuesday, May 19th. SUBMITTED PHOTO BY TIM LOCKHART

The history of the elevators began with the completion of the railway in 1924-1925, after which the railway station was built in 1926. By the end of that year there were six completed elevators in Fox Valley, owned by Pioneer, Pool, United Grain Growers and N.M. Paterson.

According to information obtained from Fox Valley's history book, the demolished elevator was built in 1927. In 1931 it burned and was rebuilt with a wood crib. Additions took place in 1939, 1954 and 1960. In 1980 a permanent annex was built, followed by a chemical shed in 1995 and fertilizer bins in 2002. That year N.M. Paterson & Sons purchased the elevator from Agricore United, as well as the additions of a coal shed and fertilizer shed.

Elevator managers since 1927 include the following familiar names: Keller, Ferner, Usselman, Deis, Dirk, Ehresman, Carleton and Otterson. The village's newest elevator was moved in from Piapot in 1979. At that time elevators were transported down the highway, which was quite the sight.

Plenty of memories were shared of farmers visiting local agents, discussing grain prices and of watching old trucks, tandems and semis delivering grain throughout the years, as locals watched the elevators being demolished.