Gravel et Duhamel, Dufresne & Galipeau, and Potato Distributors Ltd; Montreal

Like the warehouse next door, this building was built in 1857 for Victor Husdon, who rented it to various companies. The name of some of these can still be seen on the façade: Gravel et Duhamel, Dufresne & Galipeau, and Potato Distributors Ltd.

In the early 20th century Gravel et Duhamel were carriage and hardware (saddles, harnesses, paint and varnish, etc.) dealers.

Born in 1882, Candide Dufresne was educated at the Yamaehiche College and the Montcalm Commercial School. In 1906 he started working with boot and shoe maker Théodore Galipeau. Born in 1873 and educated at St. Laurent College, Galipeau spent his entire business life in the boot and shoe industry. The two founded the firm Dufresne & Galipeau in 1912. In 1920 the name of the company was changed to Locke Footwear Company, Ltd. It closed down in 1934.

Finally potato wholesaler Potato Distributors Ltd rented the warehouse between 1939 and 1968.

In chronological order, the signs read:Gravel et Duhamel

Dufresne
& Galipeau

Potato Distributors Ltd

Location: Rue de la Commune Ouest, Montréal