Unraveling Beaumont’s Business History: A Corner of Mystery

Researching the history of Beaumont’s early businesses reveals a complex narrative surrounding a prominent corner in the town. Two families owned land at the intersection of present-day 50 Street and 49 Avenue, leading to uncertainty about the timeline and ownership. To clarify these historical details, a review of land title records in Edmonton is necessary, as local history resources do not provide conclusive information.

The Naturopathie Integrative Clinic now stands on this corner, which has been home to various businesses over the years. Historically, the area was divided into ten lots, each measuring 33 feet wide and 125 feet long. Utilizing tools such as Google Earth, it appears that the clinic occupies lots 8 through 10. The first bank in the area, the Bank of Hochelaga, was established on lot 7.

As the narrative unfolds, it highlights the story of Alex Vaugeois, who acquired the bank’s former residence shortly before his death. He transformed the building into a pool room, which his widow continued to operate after his passing. This widow had ten children from a previous marriage and two daughters with Vaugeois, illustrating the intertwining of family and business in early Beaumont.

In 1914, Charles and Olivine Dubord purchased lot 8 and expanded their holdings to include lots 9 and 10 by 1928. The Beaumont history book notes that they acquired the large house from Vaugeois’s widow, which raises questions about the exact configuration of the lots. Both Charles and Vaugeois passed away in 1928, marking a significant transition for the area.

The Dubords established a grocery and dry goods store that served not only as a retail outlet but also as a post office for a time. They rented rooms to boarders, further embedding their business in the community. A photograph from 1942 depicts the Dubord residence during the 50th anniversary celebration of the St. Vital Parish, revealing a festive atmosphere with the Union Jack and pennant flags adorning the area.

The photo captures a landscape dominated by farmland, with few buildings dotting the horizon. Among the notable features is a newly constructed grotto from 1935 and a stone fence surrounding the church property. These images reflect the evolving nature of Beaumont and its rich historical backdrop.

Future efforts could focus on creating a downtown historical walking tour to highlight these significant sites and stories. For now, the investigation into Beaumont’s past continues, as more records and details emerge that could illuminate this intriguing chapter of local history.