ALLARD STORY

It's a long way from St. Hyacinthe in the old-
est-settled part of Quebec, to the almost-empty wilder-
ness of Northern Manitoba. Yet that was the trek
taken by young Louis Allard. He was one of a family
of 18 children, did not see much hope for ’making
anything of his life’ where people were many and
opportunities few, so he moved into the fast growing
settlement known as Le Pas. In I914 he gathered
material and built a little structure about 20 feet
square, In the front of this he opened a store, while
the rear provided living room for the family.

In the morning Louis would walk around town
armed with a little order book. As he called at the
various homes he recorded their needs: flour, sugar,
coal oil and the variety of staple foods so necessary
in every household. Then he hurried back to the store
where he and Mrs. Allard packed the orders, all ready
to be delivered on a hand sleigh or cart. Eventually
business prospered so it was possible to buy a horse
and wagon to do the delivering.

Ten children came to bless the Allard home, and
each of them had some contribution to make to the
growing business. Joe, the eldest son became the
Fur Trader of the family and made regular trips up
and dOWn the river trading groceries for the precious

    

northern furs which were in such demand by people
’outside’. Joe took an active interest in sports. He
became widely known and admired by sporting fans
all across the north, until his death in I945. Now
it was time for young Emil to leave school and take
over with his aging father the running of Allard’s
Store. In 1956 Louis retired and son Emil took over
operation of the business, He completely rebuilt the
premises, building a modern bright store with spa—
cious up-ta-date living quarters in the same building.
The new store, which caters to nearly all a. customer’s
needs, still operates under the name Allard’s Shop—
ping Centre. 50 this is one of the oldest businesses
in the town still operated by a member of the found~
ing family.

One of the many fishing spots in Manitoba’s Northland.

 

HERE’S TO ANOTHER 50 YEARS
OF CONTINUED PROSPERITY
TO THE PAS
50 YEARS YOUNG!

 

 
  
  
      
   
 

Hotel Cambrian

AND

MR. BOB'S

DINING ROOM

“WHERE GUEST IS KING”

i
I

 

 

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