Photograph courtesy Biggar Museum & Gallery Eamon Block facing Second Ave. East. c1919

The Eamon Block (N.E. Corner of 2nd ave and Main was built by H.G. Eamon in 1919. As Biggar's first skyscraper, it was three stories high, built of brick and 25 x 80 feet.

Mr. H.G. Eamon was quite a businessman. In addition to building the Eamon block he had many other ventures on the go. Here's an example of some items pulled from the Biggar Independent of the time. Prior to the Eamon Skyscraper be had built a pool room. The opening ball in the pool room was in October of 1913. In May of 1916 Mr Eamon extended the Billiard Hall by 60 feet and installed a bowling alley and nickel in the slot machines. In April of 1917 Eamon became sales agent for "Saxton "Six" Car. A Big touring car for five people, 23.5 miles per gallon that retailed for $1,175.00. In 1919 the Nifty Man's Store had an ad in the Independent for Mens and womens clothing and shoes.

Photograph courtesy Biggar Museum & Gallery Main Street view and Second Avenue view of Eamon Block

Mens suits were priced at $25.00 - $50.00. Coonskin coats were $225.00, Black and Brown Goat Coats were $45.00 and a Black Dog Coat was $35.00.

In 1928 Mr Eamon laid spur line from C.N.R. mainline to the gravel pits east of town, purchasing excavating equipment and erecting a loading dock. The estimated cost of the above was $20,000.00. A huge sum in 1928. In terms of the value of the dollar today, 2009, the sum amounts to $250,329.00.

In 1929 the Nifty Mens store stock was sold to W.T. Ellsworth of Assiniboia. The second story of the Eamon block had elegant suites for office purposes- some with offices were Dr. McKay - Dentist; Dr. Kinneard; Dr. Fransisco - Chiropractor. The Third story of the building was used by various Fraternal orders as a lodge room.

Eamon Block Summer 2008

Also in 1929 Mr Eamon was awarded a contract for gravelling 17 miles between Perdue and Asquith on the highway. A crusher and screener were installed at the gravel pits. In 1930 he sold sand, gravel and crushed rock at $1.75 per yard, stucco gravel at $3.00 per yard.

In 1932 Mr. Eamon purchased a large interest in Bailor Gold Syndicate - property situated at Beaver Lake, Sask. (16 miles west of the Flin Flon mines.) Eamon was to ship his road gravelling equipment to use in developing the mine, also to purchase a 10 - ton ball mill. Bailor Gold Syndicate also came to Biggar looking for investors.