Mural highlights Palmerston history

PALMERSTON - A new mural was recently installed on the Palmerston Foodland builiding. The photomural shows the former Stan McRae car dealership which was located on the same property as Foodland.

Funds for installation were contributed by the Royal Canadian Legion, Frank Lambier Branch 409, Palmerston and the Palmerston Downtown Revitalization Committee (now All Aboard Palmerston).   Officials of both organizations offered thanks to Ron McTaggart, owner of the Palmerston Foodland, for offering space for the photograph.

The information on the photo explains that after returning from the First World War, Raymond McRae set up shop in the horse barn behind the Imperial Hotel. He originally had his office in one of the horse stalls. In 1922 he formed a partnership with Jack Embury and they demolished the Imperial Hotel to make room for a two-bay service station. The partners also signed a franchise agreement to sell Chrysler products. When Embury died the business operated under the McRae name. In 1970 Raymond’s son Stan took over the business. In 1972 Raymond McRae died. The business prospered until 1981, when a fire destroyed the entire building. The company ceased business the following year.

An upcoming storytelling event on Palmerston history is planned for Sept. 27 at 2 pm at the Lions Club House, Palmerston. The focus will be on the 1970s and ‘80s with a review of the railroad service and changes by Bob MacEachern, the 1975 Centennial by Chad Martin,  Palmerston 81’s hockey team, with Ron Elliott and the Art Carr story by Vern Long. Everyone is welcome and social distancing will be facilitated.