An icon, an era, and a staple of Dalum is soon to come to an end.
An auction sale marks the end of the Dalum Corner Service, a sentinel of the prairie community for 70 years, on Saturday, April 25 at the service store.
“I can’t say I’m not sad,” says current owner Don Petersen. "It is sort of an end of an era, not a joyful time. It is an end of part of my business.” Petersen said closing of the store has nothing to do with the economic recession which seems to be hitting businesses globally. “It was just a difference in business; lost the school bus contract, and it is not economically necessary to have people working full time,” Petersen said. “There will still be a mechanic working at the shop when there is work to be done.” Petersen took over the business 26 years ago, from Wayne Evans who took over from John Anderson in 1970. "The Ostergards have been doing business with Don since he took over, and we are certainly sorry it's closing," says Dalum area farmer Mike Ostergard. "Ostergard Seed Farms are sad to see it go," said Mike on behalf of his family. The building itself and the property are not for sale at this time. “I'm sorry for the inconvenience,” Petersen laments. “Dalum is a community that has given me excellent support, which just makes for another reason it’s so hard to do.” The auction begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning, with a long list of items including all inventory, some tools and equipment. The Dalum Corner Service is located 20 kilometres southeast of Drumheller, or 12 kms south of Rosedale on Highway 56. A preview of auction items is being held Friday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.