By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — A piece of Davidson’s history fell to earth last week, bringing plenty of dust with it.

Demolition of the Richardson Pioneer grain elevator began in earnest on Tuesday, as the first of three sections was brought down by a wrecking crew.

The north annex fell just after 12 p.m., with a small crowd of Richardson-Pioneer employees and other spectators looking on.

The demolition was carried out using a single trackhoe, which chipped away at the building from the west side, then moved to the corner to lay the final blows that brought the structure down.

An enormous cloud of dust was released to the southwest as the elevator fell, enveloping several vehicles parked nearby.

“We literally couldn’t see,” said Richardson Pioneer employee Marla Dezotell, who was watching the demolition from her vehicle, shooting a video with her cellphone.

Dave Mihalicz Excavating, an Assiniboia-based company, was responsible for the demolition. Mihalicz said he has been in business since 1981 and has torn down more than 700 elevators.

The process is much the same in each case, he said, adding, “We’ve done so many of them.”

Mihalicz said his crew would clear away the debris left from the north annex and then proceed to demolish the other sections, with the schedule dependent on weather and other factors.

The centre of the building, the original elevator, was slated to fall next, followed by the south annex.

For the full story, see the June 6 edition of The Davidson Leader, or phone 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.