Our pioneer stock ...

Hidden in the Southwestern corner of Saskatchewan is the thriving community of Fox Valley. History of this village dates back to the age of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Incorporated in 1928, the Village of Fox Valley grew into a vibrant, close-knit community.

One of Fox Valley's earliest community buildings was the school, the backbone of many prairie towns. By 1928, the Village of Fox Valley was home to six-grain elevators: The Pioneer, Pool, United Grain Growers, Federal, and Midland.

Established business owners played a key role in town council's first meetings. Amongst council was John Massong who operated both a blacksmith shop and the John Deere dealership. Also on council was businessman Wendal Materi, who had converted a large barn into a garage.

The height of the Depression led community leaders to question the survival of Fox Valley as entire families were forced to pack up their belongings in search of more prosperous times. Although the following decade resulted in some return to prosperity for the community, the Second World War had recruited its youth.

Fox Valley's economy experienced a boost in the mid-sixties when Saskatchewan Minerals constructed a plant to recover the Sodium Sulphate that existed in massive quantities in Ingebrigt Lake, South East of Fox Valley.

Tradition tells the tale that employees with Canadian Pacific Railway dubbed the village 'Fox Valley' because of the plentitude of wild foxes that roamed the area. Perhaps a more probable explanation for the naming of Fox Valley is that many of the settlers in the region were of German Russian descent and in their homeland lay a valley named 'Fuchstahl' (German for Fox Valley).

The Village of Fox Valley is a thriving community with business development and interesting attractions encompassing the area. Although the Village of Fox Valley has faced many obstacles, the community's optimism and spirit continues to pave the way to better times.

Spavor Shoe Repair

 (picture compliments of Susan Rose)

     Awenydd Consulting and Computer Services is located in the old Spavor Shoemaker shop and residence on Railway Avenue. John Spavor and his wife Helen built the building and the family lived in the back until Helen passed away. Renovations are currently ongoing, with the aim of keeping much of the old shop intact. The original floor and counter are still there and one of John Spavor's shoe lasts is on display.

 Spavor Shoe Repair as it is today, now Awenydd Computing