Holy Ground

This here is a scared place folks. The building seen in back of Connie, home to a furniture store, was long ago a factory where Boler Trailers were produced. Yes, in this very building, just off 16th Avenue Northeast Calgary (visible from the “Trans-Canada”), they pumped out those little egg-shaped trailers for a time in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Now isn’t that interesting? Doubt many people know the history of the place.

The factory operated under the name Neonex, a Jim Pattison Company (a big wheel in business circles). Look on your (17 foot Boler) and if it has a sticker or badge with that name, it was made here – the Boler firm outsourced to many factories across the west, however, so not all carry the Neonex name. Still a lot of them came from these “hallowed halls”, 17 foot models we’re told but not Neonex Branded 13 footers that were instead made out in BC. In addition, the Calgary Factory made mobile homes, trailer park trailers – shout out to the late Mr Lahey – but that’s another story.

Random thought – wonder how many Neonex Bolers pass by on the busy highway?

The building dates form the 1960s (predating Boler production). It seems to have closed in the early 1980s (info is spotty). Boler production continued in other factories however, for a few more years. For a time the building housed a flea market. Remember the Crossroads, said to be the biggest in Canada? A sixteen pack of tube socks for a three bucks. The cassette tape guy. Junk heaven. Ah, the memories.

The cap? Still waiting for a cease and desist order from the Oiler’s organization. If you want one, email us. Limited quantities.

Something random to enjoy…
Autocar Coal Hauler – a wee bit bigger than a Boler.

Boler: A small cute-as-a-bug fibreglass travel trailer made in Canada in the 1970s and 80s. We make a fun game spotting them on our road trips adventures. We also include other similar trailers here, those from other manufacturers who are close in appearance or configuration to Bolers.

Reference: Bolerama.org (now offline).

If you need more information, by all means contact us!

Holy Ground, this former Boler factory.