When Kindersley refined its own fuel

By Joan Janzen

Rising fuel prices have been a concern for decades. In the 1930s a few farmers from Kindersley and Rosetown decided they could get cheaper fuel if they shipped in crude oil and refined it locally. The story can be found in the history book Kindersley Memories.

William Flood, manager and salesman, stands in front of the Goose Lake Oil Refining Company Limited office, which operated in Kindersley from 1936 to 1937. PHOTO COURTESY KINDERSLEY MEMORIES

In 1936 a company was formed in Kindersley, following the example of a similar operation that was established in Rosetown. Shares were sold at $1.00 each, and Jake Adams, Robert Simpson and Dick Ready were listed as a few of the shareholders.

The company's executive consisted of President Forest Halpenny, Vice-President Bob Arnold of D'Arcy, Secretary-Treasurer Len Moore, Manager and Salesman William Flood, Bookkeeper Harry Pollard and Office Secretary Janet Simpson.

A building was constructed approximately a mile east of Kindersley. Lumber from the old exhibition grounds on the west side of town was used to construct the office, tanks were brought in, a spur track was installed and a storage shed was erected.

Unfortunately, the company ran out of funds and the operation folded one year later, in 1937. The storage shed was acquired by the Halpenny Brothers and moved to 2nd Avenue West. The office was moved to 7th Avenue East in Kindersley and used as a residence.

Nevertheless, the closure of Kindersley's first oil refinery was marked with an evening of firecrackers and great whistle blowing.