Collacott Hardware fire March 10, 1915

From the corner of Third Avenue North the three brick buildings (to the left) shown in this photo on Broadway Street East, are the Bank of Toronto on the corner and next are the two Collacott buildings, the first constructed in 1909-10 by Frank Collacott, and the next one — in flames owned by Frank was built in 1902 by Frank’s father, Thomas who had died in 1908. The fire was caused by an explosion of an oil barrel in the basement. Frank Collacott reconstructed a new building on the same site immediately.

Collacott history: Frank’s father Thomas Collacott originally from Sutton, Ontario came to the Yorkton area in 1884, where he farmed until 1896 when he moved into town to open a blacksmith shop. He next erected a hardware store in a frame building on the corner of Broadway and Third Avenue North. In 1902, he moved his hardware business in the brick building seen burning in the photo. However, by 1903, Thomas’ health was poor, and the business was turned over to his son Frank. After Thomas’ death in 1908, Frank erected the brick building adjoining the one built by his father. So, two buildings — both constructed by Frank are still in existence today and are owned by the ANAVETS (Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans.)They were designated as a Municipal Heritage Property August 5, 2005.  

The postcard is a donation of Thomas & Catherine McLaren, of Victoria, B.C.