Commercial Archives | Grondines, a Land Shaped by Rocks and Tides

Gaston Turcotte woodworking craft store, circa 1975

Gaston Turcotte settled in Grondines in 1975. He bought a small storefront where he set up a modest boutique to sell his wood carvings. Conveniently located just off […]

Juliette Tessier’s boutique in Grondines, 1975

Like many others, Juliette Tessier sold the rugs she wove, as well as local products from people in the area.

Marcotte Hotel, Grondines, 1906

As with many train stations, a hotel was located near the Grondines station. Travelers could rest and eat there. The Marcotte Hotel was likely the first establishment of […]

Rosario Houde in his store, circa 1976

Over time, Rosario’s store had become a real meeting place. If someone was still around to chat at closing time, Rosario would put off turning off the lights. […]

Angéline Rivard with the Deschambault milkman at the counter of Rosario Houde’s general store, Grondines, circa 1976

At Rosario Houde’s, everyone pitched in to keep the store open for long hours. Sometimes until 10pm or even 11pm! When the delivery truck arrived on Tuesdays at […]

Rosario Houde General Store, circa 1976

In the 1950s, Rosario Houde bought the former Faida Grondines general store, which he expanded twice until it closed in 1986. Open every day, it was not uncommon […]

Sauvageau General Store, circa 1975

Roland Sauvageau’s general store had something no other store could offer: the credit union. Mr. Sauvageau hosted the credit counter from its opening around 1945 until the late […]

Isidore Arcand grocery store, Grondines, 1954

From his newly renovated grocery store, Isidore watches over his daughters Roseline and Viviane, who seem to be waiting patiently for their father’s customers. Like all small-scale grocers […]

J.E. Blais General Store, circa 1940

In 1968, Madeleine and Jean-Guy Devault bought the former J.E. Blais store, which had been closed for years. No more than 13 feet wide, it seems frozen in […]

Faida Grondines General Store, circa 1920

Before Rosario Houde moved in, Faida Grondines General Store was already a leader in its field in Grondines. Faida Grondines General Store was located at 255 chemin Sir-Lomer-Gouin.

The Grondines dairy factory, circa 1930

In 1928, the Coopérative fédérée de Québec leased Charles Laganière’s butter factory. It was located near 724 chemin du Faubourg.

Donat Trottier’s craft store, June 1962

Over the course of the 20th century, numerous roadside kiosks sprang up. In Grondines, they sold local produce, handicrafts and antiques sought after by American tourists.