1

Main St., Avonlea, Sask.
1915
Avonlea, Saskatchewan, Canada

2

Avonlea Train Station
1915
Avonlea, Saskatchewan, Canada

3

The train station was the heart of the town in the early days. The train delivered lumber, food, and many necessary supplies to the station. As the junction for the Radville (50 miles) and Gravelbourg (50 miles) lines, many-a-traveller ventured into Avonlea's bustling station with stories of the big city. Destined for Moose Jaw, the trains pulled boxcars of grain or passenger cars forty miles (a long way by horse).

4

Myers Livery Stable
1915
Avonlea, Saskatchewan, Canada

5

When you arrived in town, you could "park" your horse at the livery stable. Here, for a fee, your horse was fed, watered, and its saddle and harness were removed and stored until you returned. The blacksmith could fit a new horse-shoe if necessary.

6

A Blacksmith's Anvil with Tongs and a Horseshoe
1985
Avonlea, Saskatchewan, Canada

7

The blacksmith had a one hundred pound anvil sitting on a large wooden block. With gloved hands grasping tongs, he would remove the red-hot horse shoe from the coal-fired forge. It was placed on the anvil and pounded into shape with a heavy hammer.

8

A Foot Powered Grindstone
1925
Avonlea, Saskatchewan, Canada

9

The grindstone was used to sharpen blades or to smooth rough edges. The blacksmith sat on the end facing the wheel and held the metal item against the rotating, stone. At his feet was the pedal that propelled the round stone. The stone wheel ran in a water bath to keep it cool.

10

McRorie's General Store
1942
Avonlea, Saskatchewan, Canada

11

There was a real personality to that old general store. The glass candy counter tantalizing children with jaw-breakers, gum and chocolate bars. The snoose dispenser secured to the wall. Does anybody chew snoose now? Sugar and raisins and nuts were scooped from bins and weighed in brown paper bags - no pre-packaging then. A round of cheese stood under a glass dome, and as much of it was sampled as was sold. Mingled with the smell of strong cheese and spices was the aroma of fresh coffee being ground by hand. Men leaned against counters talking of weather and crops while their wives congregated on the "dry-goods" side chatting about their children and their neighbours.

From "Arrowheads to Wheatfields"

12

Implement Dealer beside Argue House
1913
Avonlea, Saskatchewan, Canada

13

The International Harvesting Company dealer sold plows, carriages, wagons and McCormick harvesters. His home was next door to his business.

14

Robertson Bros.
1913
Avonlea, Saskatchewan, Canada