The CAMROSE BOOSTER, August 16, 2016 – Page 4
D.R. Francoeur began a legacy of success in Camrose Lori Larsen Most Camrosians will be very familiar with the name Francoeur as not only a prominent family in the area but the name behind several successful businesses. But what many may not be aware of is that David Raymond (D.R.) Francoeur, one of the original founders of Camrose, swathed a path for Camrose to become the thriving city and agricultural hub that it is today. In 1911 D.R., as he was known by many, arrived in Camrose with $400 and a vision to make his fortune in the somewhat unchartered land of Alberta. He settled in Camrose and began operating as a farm equipment agent. “He (D.R.) came here from Quebec in 1911, but I think he was out here before that. Then his brother came out and they started Francoeur Brothers,” said David Francoeur (D.R.’s namesake and great grandson), from the Knaut Johnson Francoeur law firm. “Then he (D.R.) brought his family out here. His brother (Fernand) went back to Quebec in the 30s.” In 1918 D.R.’s father, Joseph Louis Francoeur, a stone mason by trade, helped to build what is known as the Francoeur home, located on 48 Street in Camrose, which is now owned by David (Jr.). “He (great-great grandfather) did the fountains, all the stone work and the sunken garden,” said David. D.R. eventually purchased the home from his brother, Fernand. “D.R. gave a business and a house to all (five) of his children,” added David. “The Francoeur house was a
Submitted Photo As one of the contributing founders of Camrose, David Raymond Francoeur, pictured here with his wife Marie Anne Lavasseur, will be honoured during Camrose’s 2016 Founders Day Festival on Aug. 19 at 1 p.m., at the Bailey Theatre.
wedding gift to my grandparents, who were also given Francoeur Cleaners.” Francoeur businesses and buildings are embedded in Camrose history and to this day are not only landmarks, but the locations of thriving businesses. David detailed some of the history of these businesses. K n aut Joh n son Francoeur law firm has been conducting business for 105 years, making it the oldest business in Camrose, located at 4925-51 Street. Alberta Machinery
(Francoeur Brothers) has been in business in Camrose for 103 years and was originally located on the east side of 47 Street. It moved to the corner of 49 Street and 50 Avenue, and then again to the industrial area of Camrose. Francoeur Cleaners Ltd., has been conducting business in Camrose for 82 years. It is presently run by Brian Francoeur, D.R.’s grandson, and is now located at 4902-51 Street. D.R’s contributions to Camrose went far beyond the businesses he started with a
notable impact on the farmers in the surrounding area, especially during the 30s. “He gave loans out to the farmers when the banks wouldn’t,” said David. D.R. was elected to town council in 1931, serving as deputy mayor. He sat on the finance, police, bylaw, sanitation and public works committees. “He is also known for the paving of main street,” said David. “My Auntie Marie said people thought he did it deliberately, because pavement in those days was kind of oily and people would get it on their clothes, then they would have to take their clothes to Francoeur Cleaners.” D.R. was also one of the founding members of the Camrose Elks Lodge and served as the Exalted Ruler in 1939. D.R. was undeniably a smart businessman and, when asked what lessons have been passed down from generation to generation, David responded. “All Francoeurs learned business and work ethic, how to do business and how to get involved in the community and contribute to its growth.” David shared a financial statement of Alberta Machinery (Francoeur Brothers) from 1928, showing an approximate net worth of $84,000 – back then a tremendous amount of money. Comparable to today that would barely be enough to purchase a piece of farm machinery. Behind every great visionary, community leader and business icon are always
relatable stories about the person, and D.R. was no exception. “He loved his cars, specifically a big Chrysler Imperial. He was known as the man with the cigar and big car and he would drive crazy fast,” smiled David. “He would go speeding down the back alley from Alberta Machinery. “The grandchildren would be playing behind my house (Francoeur House on 48 Street). My dad and his sisters and brothers would see him coming and yell, ‘Here comes Grandpa – run!’ Then they would leave the alley on their bikes because Grandpa would be flying by on his way to his house for lunch, right across the highway at a hundred miles per hour.” In June, within nine days of each other, D.R.s last two remaining children Marie (Francoeur) Dabbs and Paul Francoeur passed away and residents of Camrose bid farewell to the second generation in a double funeral service. David Francoeur (Junior) was born in Camrose as a fifth generation Camrosian and his three children are now part of the sixth generation. Despite some time away to complete his studies and pursue a career overseas, the pull to Camrose was strong and David is now settled and making his own mark on Camrose. David Raymond (D.R.) Francoeur will be honoured as Camrose’s 2016 Community Founder during the Founders Days Festival at the Ceremony and Founder Reception on Friday, Aug. 19, at 1 p.m., at the Bailey Theatre.
Wrapping up the summer program with Camrose wildlife By Lori Larsen
The City of Camrose Wildlife and Greenspace Stewardship Summer Program wrapped up another year of informative events with a presentation by wildlife coordinator Katherine Rogers on Thursday, Aug. 4. Rogers spoke about the species most familiar to Camrose, the plight of the caribou in Canada, wolf culling, and the National and Provincial parks. She finished the evening sharing her experiences working for the City as the wildlife coordinator. “The main theme we tried to use this summer was how to connect to nature,” said Rogers. “To finish off I want to tell you a little bit about the wildlife in Camrose and how to engage with it in a fun way,” Some of the wildlife species Rogers said are seen in Camrose include deer, coyotes, bats, beavers, muskrats, swans and a variety of birds. When speaking about a possible coyote sighting, Rogers suggested some tips to protect your own safety and the safety of the coyote. “Don’t run away because that might excite the coyote;
Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster As one of the many species found in Camrose, deer are often spotted grazing on residents lawns.
yell at it in an angry voice to scare it off, clean up after yourself in parks and your backyard, and don’t let your pets outside.” Rogers also explained how beavers are considered pests around Camrose and that traps have been set in the Stoney Creek area to assist in controlling the beaver population and the potential hazards they create to the surrounding area. “You will see around the Stoney Creek area signs that
say please keep your animal on a leash, there are beaver traps in the area.” Rogers remarked on the variety of birds in Camrose and the value the Purple Martin program, with its volunteer landlords, has on wildlife conservation. “This summer I counted 84 purple martins in Camrose; those are mating pairs. “If you count Camrose and the surrounding farms and parks there are 195 pairs and in 2003 there were only
eight pairs. This is an example of how putting time into conservation shows results. You are helping an animal and helping it get back to a population it needs to be at to be healthy. “We are very thankful for the work of volunteers and City workers for helping out with this program.” In conclusion Rogers offered suggestions on how residents can connect to wildlife including naturescaping, geocaching, writing poetry or stories, photography, meditation, bird watching and visiting national parks, which she noted will be free of charge starting 2017. “I feel that this summer has shown the many diverse ways to get involved with the environment,” said Rogers, “There is also a strong element of spirituality in our connections with the environment. As humans, we need the environment to thrive. More importantly, the environment needs us to make changes so that it can thrive. There is no wrong way to connect to the environment – it is all about what works best for you. And it may take some time to find your way of con-
necting, but if you are patient I can assure you that you will create a meaningful relationship with nature.” For more information on the Camrose Wildlife Stewardship Society visit www. camrose.ca/168/WildlifeGreenspace-Stewardship.
Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster Wildlife coordinator Katherine Rogers receives a warm thank you for all the work she did this summer with the Camrose Wildlife and Greenspace Stewardship Summer Program from Camrose Wildlife Stewardship Society chairperson Glen Hvenegaard during the final event held on Aug. 4 at Stoney Creek Centre.