Estevan, Saskatchewan, Canada
A list of Grain Elevators, printed Sept 5, 1902, shows Estevan had 1 Grain Elevator, Northern Elevator Company, with a capacity of 25,000 bushels. It was Estevan's First Elevator. Northern Elevator company was part of the first line of elevators established in 1893 in the West. In 1909 this line, and this elevator, was purchased by the National Grain Elevator Company, owned by Mr. Frank Peavey.
Per Overgaard Directory-(1956) The first elevator was built by the Imperial Elevator Company. (see postcard below). By 1903 extra storage space was needed and new elevators began to make their appearance. I would trust the 1902 article above first
1901-1910 season, a list printed Oct 21, showing Licensed Track Buyers, lists the Estevan Milling Co, in Estevan
By Jan 28, 1912, there was 5 Elevators in the Town, and they were only 1/3 full.
Aug 8, 1905, Estevan Grain Company had a large gang of men building their new elevator in Estevan. Capacity 30,000 bushels
The Farmer's Elevator was to be opened 4-5 days after Mathieson's elevator. so roughly Oct 8-9, 1908
My Grandfather Gus Gesell Operated the Elevator on the left in 1917 (Matheson-Lindsey Elevator Co.)
Note- the flour mill is above the word Sask. on the picture caption
Closest elevator on right not identified yet.
There was a McCabe Elevator here somewhere?
The picture of old elevators ca 1917 above does not include the Pool Elevator, which was built later, all along the tracks
Grain Elevators ca 1927 a rare view from the NE.Postcard by Lee Chee, Victoria Cafe. Imperial Elevator Co #60 in foreground
postcard courtesy Grant Walker, CA
Estevan Postcard ca 1910 photographer E. R. Davis. Taken from the Old PO / Customs building, looking NE. Grain Elevators in the distance, Empire hotel can be seen, large square building; Remains of the Kelly hotel in front, It burnt down Feb 23, 1909.
Postcard courtesy Grant Walker, CA This postcard came from Spain of all places.
Grain Tester used in the Matheson Elevator in Estevan ca 1917 by my Grandfather Gustav (Gus) August Gesell
Made of 2 tubes of brass, both hollow, one inside the other. Inserted into a wagon of grain in the closed position, then turned 1/2 turn to let the grain enter the inside tube via 7 elongated slots in the side of each tube. Then turned another 1/2 turn to close it, for removal When laid flat and opened by turning 1/2 a turn, the quality of the grain at different levels could be checked to ensure the elevator operator, the farmer wasn't cheating him by loading better quality grain at the top of the wagon load.
Gus Gesell operated the Elevators in Grayson SK, and then Breeze SK, before Estevan SK, and later in the 1930's in Bienfait SK.
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