1916 - sixteen locals of the UFA in the Wetaskiwin Area
decide to organize the Wetaskiwin District Association of the United Farmers of Alberta
1917 - business is conducted on a railroad spur out of a box
car as needed supplies arrive.
November 16th, 1917 - The association decides to acquire a
permanent store and apply to the Province to incorporate under the Alberta Co-operative
Association Act. The charter was signed by twenty farmers who comprised the
provisional Board of Directors. A.P. Moan is hired as manager for $1400 per month and ably
fills that position for 10 years.
March 9th of 1918 - At this meeting incorporation is
officially announced and a Board of Directors is Elected. With $550 capital,
immediate action is taken to rent a store on Railway Street West, purchase necessary
fixtures and invest in inventory.
February, 1919 - The rented store is inadequate so the Co-op
purchases the Krogman Block for $10,000 with a $9,000 loan personally guaranteed by each
member of the Board of Directors.
1919 - A share-selling drive raises an astounding $6,000.
1922 In an effort to help a drought stricken community the
Co-op ships in one hundred and eleven carloads of hay, feed, seed grain, potatoes and
vegetables.
1923 - the organizers of the newly formed Canadian Wheat Pool
use the Co-op Community Hall as a headquarters for organization in the area.
1928 - Mr. Ed Peterson is appointed manager, sales that year
soared to an all time pre-depression high of $209,000.
1930 - The Great Depression puts families and
businesses in grave jeopardy.
Depression Years - Due to a major split among the UFA locals
and the established co-operatives across all of Alberta the Wetaskiwin Co-op dropped the
letters "U.F.A." from its official name and registered under a new name -
Wetaskiwin Co-operative Association Ltd.
1938 - Co-op barn burns and insurance covers it for $300 and
major repair is required to the main store.
Dec 11, 1942 - Celebration begins for 25 year anniversary
1944 - The Wetaskiwin Co-op purchases a store and service
station for the residents of the Falun.
1955 - Wetaskiwin delivers 2.5 Million
gallons of fuel over an eight
year period.
1956 - Nearly 1/2 Million Dollars Dividend is paid to Co-op
members between 1946 and 1956
1957 - Bacon is advertised at 30¢/1/2 lb package, Ladies Car
Coats $16.50, Boys Wrangler Jeans $2.95, Parkay Margarine 57¢, Flashlight Batteries 20¢,
ground beef 3 lbs for $1.00, Zonolite Insulation $1.65/bag
1960 - Wetaskiwin is called the "Home of
Co-operation" by the Co-operative Consumer when they open their new grocery store as
part of an expansion program.
1964 - A feed mill is purchased.
1974 - Brand new feed mill facility is officially opened.
2001 - Major fires destroys part of co-op
lumber and hardware facility
2002 - Country Junction opens to rave reviews.
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