Viewing Object

Term Source: dhv

William's Blacksmith Shop operated out of Aldergrove from 1911 until 1978. Harry Williams came to Aldergrove from England in 1911. He originally worked at Beaton's blacksmith shop, before purchasing the business on July 1st 1911. The shop caught fire in 1926 and was rebuilt in 1927. The shop was again rebuilt in 1937, this time in a new location across the street from the Elks Hall. Today that area is where 273rd meets the Fraser Highway. Harry died in 1938 after being hit by a car. His son Les Williams took over the business at the age of 21, and it became known as Williams Machine Shop. In the 1930s and 40s much of the business was mill work, and repairs to logging and agricultural equipment, as well as government work. Les Williams worked on a lot of scarifier blades, which the municipality used when making roads. The building suffered a fire in 1962, but continued to operate until 1978. By the 1960s it was considered Aldergrove's oldest store. It was torn down after Les retired.

Les Williams was the son of Harry Williams. He ran his fathers machine shop in Alder Grove.