Our Towns History

The Beginning of Leslieville

On the 4th of May 1903, Alex Thompson, his son George and George Bailey left Wisconsin for Western Canada. Enthused by literature obtained at a country fair describing all the advantages of this new country, and with some ideas as to a western move already in their minds, They finally agreed on Red Deer as their choice of possible location, and arrived at that place on May 7th. From there they went westward, against the advice of some well-wishers who earnestly endeavored to show them the superior advantages of the land to the east of Red Deer. After a three-day trip by team and democrat, with a driver and a land guide, they returned and filed on 3/4Sec.30-39-4-W5, some 40 miles from Red Deer, which was to be, for a time, the site of their first post office and trading place.
Quoted “From Hoofprints to Highways” pg 813

How did Leslieville get its name?
I am told the story on good authority by one of the 1905 settlers, Gertie (Reilly) Shaw.
The Reillys named their farm “Leslieville Farm” after a district they knew back in Toronto.
When Mr. Bureau who built the first store and Post office asked that a “ville” be on the name of the Post Office – The folks accepted the Reillys farm name Leslieville – and then Reillys called their place “Rosedale Farm” also with Toronto in mind.
Quoted “From Hoofprints to Highways” pg 816

New line of equipment

bought from Bob Crawford by Carl Zander
1940 Case Steel Wheel tractor – $1,800.00
L – R Max Zander, B. Crawford, Carl Zander

Checking out new equipment

bought from Bob Crawford by Carl Zander
1940 Case Steel Wheel tractor – $1,800.00
L-R Max Zander, B. Crawford, Carl Zander

It’s new to me

1929 Pontiac bought from B. Crawford in 1942 for 125.00
Carl Zander

John Deere “A”

John Deere “A” bought from B. Crawford for $2,600.00 in 1951
Carl Zander

Government permit

1941 Binder bought from B. Crawford dealership… had to get a special permit from the government to purchase
Carl Zander

New Shipment

Bob Crawford’s John Deere Business. Looks to be a fleet of New John Deere AR’s
National Grain Elevator in the background
Building beside the Meat Market is the Leslieville Merchantile which was moved to the Leslieville Antique Ground east of town and restored.

New Shipment

Bob Crawford’s John Deere Business. Looks to be a fleet of New John Deere AR’s
National Grain Elevator in the background
Left buildings first is the Meat Market and the second is the Leslieville Merchantile which was moved to the Leslieville Antique Ground east of town and restored.

The Building on the Right side in the distance is the Train Station.

All under one roof

Bob Crawford’s Business, Case, John Deere, International Harvester/Mccormick Deering, Hardware, and Service station all under one roof.

This building is just out of view of the previous photos of the parade of John Deere Tractors. Would have been to the South (Along side the Meat Market and Leslieville Merchantile).

I believe this photo could have been in the 1930s as the hardware sign would indicate that this could have been before or when the Finkbeiners purchased the hardware contents but before they moved into Economy Hardware. The Gas pump is on the other side of the street where this is mention of a Jim Stone Garage (our building) which was recorded as being renovated to a hardware store. This view would have been beside our store (Economy Hardware).