Grain Elevator Museum
Built in 1958, the Grain Elevator was in operation until 1995 when it was due to be demolished. Ag Society volunteers stepped in and prevented the demolition. It is now maintained as an operating museum. Visit the Grain Elevator Site at 120 Railway Avenue, Spruce Grove, Alberta for a tour. It is open for tours from May - September, from Tuesday through Saturday, 9am until 3pm.
In 1933 there were 1800 primary elevators in Western Canada. But in 2003, there were only 389 and the number has continued to decrease significantly. As of April 21, 2013, there are 313 known Grain Facilities in Alberta: 258 wooden, 42 concrete, and 12 steel elevators and annexes. This is why the preservation of the Grain Elevator in Spruce Grove is essential. The loss of the Grain Elevators in Western Canada is the loss of a unique part of North American history and culture associated with the Canadian Prairies. Through donations to the Spruce Grove and District Agricultural Society, we are able to fund the upkeep of this Prairie treasure.
In 1933 there were 1800 primary elevators in Western Canada. But in 2003, there were only 389 and the number has continued to decrease significantly. As of April 21, 2013, there are 313 known Grain Facilities in Alberta: 258 wooden, 42 concrete, and 12 steel elevators and annexes. This is why the preservation of the Grain Elevator in Spruce Grove is essential. The loss of the Grain Elevators in Western Canada is the loss of a unique part of North American history and culture associated with the Canadian Prairies. Through donations to the Spruce Grove and District Agricultural Society, we are able to fund the upkeep of this Prairie treasure.
This is a letter which was sent to the former Mayor of Spruce Grove: Joe Acker, the former President of the Ag Society: Allan Shenfield, and the Spruce Grove Examiner in 1996. It was written by a couple who visited the Spruce Grove area and were so pleased with the Ag Society's efforts to preserve history that they felt the need to express it personally. They live in the Wye Valley on the England, Wales border which is a place steeped in history itself with the ancient Tintern Abbey (attached photo). As a result, when they came to Spruce Grove, they were pleased that elsewhere in the world comparably more modern history is being preserved for the future generations. Receiving this letter of praise was very encouraging to the Ag Society, that is why we are sharing it with you.