14

In December of 1926 the Minister of Railways the Honourable V.W. Smith announced the extension of the railroad north from Hoadley.

15

Breton Train Station
circa 1940's
Breton, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Breton Museum

16

The Breton site was chosen because of a spring that provided an excellent supply of water for the steam locomotives. The location was in the middle of Sam Hook's homestead. But soon after the choice as made, land was purchased from Sam Hooks and the first survey was completed.

17

Lacombe North-Western Railway Wye
circa 1927
Breton, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Breton Museum

18

The developing hamlet was named after Douglas Breton, because he had lobbied for the railway.

19

The Hamlet of Breton - Looking north on Railroad Street
circa 1940
Breton, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Breton Museum
Lloyd Ellis

20

With the arrival of the railroad, lumber mills sprung up in the region. One of the major employers in the Breton area from 1926 - 1956 was the D.R. Fraser lumber company.

21

D.R Fraser Lumber Co. - Camp 34
circa 1940
Breton, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Breton Museum

22

With the extension of the Lacombe North Western Railroad in 1926 to Breton the logging and mill operations of D.R. Fraser were moved to Fraspur south of Breton.

23

Aerial of D.R Fraser Planer Mill
circa 1950
Breton, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Breton Museum

24

In the fall of 1927 Mr. and Mrs. Herb Smith looked at the possibility of starting a business in Breton. With three good sized lumber mills already in the area, it made sense to do a business that was related and they returned the following year to build Smith Supply.

25

Main Street Breton
circa 1930-1940
Breton, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Breton Museum

26

The Smiths instantly made a home in Breton and were very active in community activities , including being instrumental in building the first Community Hall.

27

Streetscape in early Breton ( note wooden sidewalks)
circa 1940's
Breton, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Breton Museum