KAWARTHA LAKES-By the late nineteenth century, most farm families lived largely off the fruits of their own labour, but they did need to buy household staples like salt and sugar. They also needed to get their grain ground, or to buy flour. Merchants accepted farm produce in barter. Many goods, like eggs and butter would typically be resold to other local customers. Wheat was one of the few farm commodities that were produced in sufficient quantity that there was a significant surplus that would be exported from the community. It was more valuable and easier to transport than potatoes—which were a local dietary staple: meat, potatoes, carrots and onions.
Once Fenelon Falls was connected by railway in 1876, the obvious place to build a grain warehouse was right beside the train station. In Fenelon Falls, it was owned by John H. Brandon, and constructed on the opposite side of the tracks, on Murray Street (now Fenelon Area Independent Living Association). In partnership with Findlay McDougall, he operated one of the largest grocery businesses in Fenelon Falls, and also the North Star Roller Mill. This business was well equipped to purchase grain from farmers, process it, and export it.
As the Great Plains became the centre of Canada’s wheat exports in twentieth century, it became unusual for local farmers to grow grain for export. Instead, many farmers produced oats as a fodder crop, which they needed to grind for their animals. What had once been the grain warehouse became the Co-op, which included a feed warehouse and chopping mill by 1938. Being located beside the railway station, it was prime location for receiving the farm supplies that came to town on the railway. In the mid twentieth century, few families had their own freezer, so the Co-op would rent out lockers that were about 3’ x 3’ x 2’.
By the time that Glen Godier took this photograph circa 1970, the railway was on its last legs. A decade had passed since regular passenger service had ceased, and ever more freight was being trucked rather than riding the rails. Most households had electrical service and their own freezer. The old grain elevator next door, that had once belonged to H.A. McIntosh had been sitting empty for a few years. In 1971, the Rotary Club of Fenelon Falls purchased the building, renovated it and then donated it to the Senior Citizens Club of Fenelon Falls four years later. In 2007, it burned and the Fenelon Area Independent Living Association built in its place, as the Seniors Club moved to 58 Murray Street. In 2005 the former railway station was rechristened as the Station Gallery, located on the Victoria Rail Trail. What was once the centre of agricultural exports from the community, is now seniors’ apartments and an art gallery—reflecting how the community and economy of Fenelon Falls have changed in a century and a half.
Maryboro Lodge Museum will be featuring a special then & now exhibition of Glen Godier’s photography, opening on May 17.
This story is part of our partnership with Maryboro Lodge, The Fenelon Falls Museum and was written by Glenn Walker.
If you want to make a donation to the museum, you can e-transfer to: [email protected] or mail a cheque to :
Maryboro Lodge Museum
Box 179
50 Oak Street
Fenelon Falls, ON
K0M 1N0
