large number of these tractors were sold throughout the surrounding farm communities. Many of these tractors are still in use today on Manitoba farms. From 1946 through 1948 very few new cars were available to the public because of the total war effort during the 1940’s. The few new cars that were available were the pre war model and design. The majority of vehicles on the roads during these years were from the late 1920’s, through the 1930’s and 1940. As a result there was a big demand in the garage trade for major repairs and motor overhauls. This was a good source of income during the early years of the business. Stewart Motors were agents for the Dodge Desoto cars and Dodge trucks. This automobile line was new to the Belmont district at this time and they were well accepted by the public at large. Many new units were sold throughout the area over the next several years. They proved to be an economical and dependable automobile, a pleasure to own and drive. In January, 1949 all major automobile com— panies introduced brand new models to the industry, the first change in ten years. A new model was assigned to Stewart Motors at a pre— sentation in Winnipeg early in 1949. Because of snow blocked highways through that winter, it was impossible to drive into Belmont. The new car was driven to Ninette and transported by team and sleigh to Belmont by the Haig Bros. who were in the dray business at that time. The new car, a two door deluxe model was put on display where it created a great deal of inter— est. It was sold to Mr. Norval Taylor the Consol— idated elevator agent who bought the car without the normal trial drive. Mr. Taylor kept this unit well maintained and looking good. It really enhanced the Dodge image in the area. As a result many units were sold over the next years. Talking to Mr. Taylor recently, he tells me he has owned none other than Dodges to this day. Moving into the 1950’s farm machinery was becoming more plentiful and going through many changes. Many new options were available. New were hydraulics, live power take—off, power steering, bigger tires for better traction. Diesel power was becoming quite common during these years. Tillage methods on the farms were changing. Now replacing the mouldboard plow were heavy one—way discs and deep tillage cultivators equipped with hydraulic lifts and depth controls. 86 New and easier methods of handling grain came with the introduction of the portable grain auger. Farm trucks with hydraulic dump boxes were becoming common, a great labor saving device. All these changes were sold and serviced by Stew— art Motors during these years. New labor saving machines and devices were coming onto the farm market. Stewart Motors handled many firsts in the district. The first self— propelled swather in the area was sold and deliv— ered to the George Durham farm south of Bel- mont. Another first was the power lawn mower sold in Belmont for about $80. It was thought at the time that it was too much of a luxury for the average home owner but this theory proved wrong, when we think of the number of mowers sold in the past 40 years. With all the new machines and appliances becoming available it was a very interesting period. Sales in all lines of equipment were good at this point. With higher sales it also demanded more labor and expense. Business hours were long during busy seasons. The shop was open six days a week and until 10 RM. on Saturday nights. There were no 40 hour weeks during these years. Shop labor charged to the customer was in the range of $1—$1.50 per hour. Oil changes were $1.50 including the oil, grease jobs were $1. Gas— oline sold through the pumps was 45¢ per gallon, not a very profitable situation. It was not long until the supply of new machinery caught up with demand. With keener competition the profit picture was further reduced. In the spring of 1955, after eight years of operation, Andy accepted a job with Anglo Canadian Oil Company in their bulk fuel station in Belmont. At this time Andy and Stewart agreed to dissolve the partnership and each go his own way. It was agreed Stewart would continue the business by himself on a smaller scale for a few years and would then sell out all the assets, stock and equipment, and phase out the opera— tion over a period of time. Corner Garage The last store on the corner was Kenyon Bros. who ran it as a Red and White store. Shell Oil bought the building and built an addition to it. Stewart Motors moved into it and ran it until 1961. It was then closed until Ed Verhelst bought it in 1963 and it became Ed’s Garage. Ed’s mechanics were Fred Kamarous and John Weedmark. Ed lived above the garage. In 1968 he sold the business to John Weedmark.