Berman Agricultural Supply

Berman Ag Supply WIP

    George Berman first moved to valley area in 1946 right after World War II. He had been an aide stateside and wanted to see the west after being stationed all along the eastern seaboard. Upon arriving in Montana he decided to go into business for himself and stumbled upon a small feed store outside of Clearwater. The owner was retiring and George got a good but fair price for it. And Berman Hoof and Hay was born.

    George, his wife Linda, and their children Paul and Georgina worked many long hours at the store. Anything that needed doing they did. But it was worth the effort. In 1955 they asked the Clearwater Lumber Company if a spur could be built to the store. Rail access meant a better supply chain and a covered loading dock was built. Farmers and ranchers up and down the valley relied on George and his family to look after their crops and livestock. It was also a good place for a cup of coffee and catch up on the latest local news.  Hoof and Hay, now Agricultural Supply also was a dealer for a range of farm tractors and implements. George did not agree to any exclusive lines but stocked what the farmers needed no matter the brand.

    George retired in 1985 but the kids kept the store going. In 2001 it was decided to sell the business so the family could enjoy George and Linda's twilight years. A young couple from Washington State purchased the business and have brought it into the 21st century. You an now pre-order your feed on the internet and come in and pick it up. But you can also have your tractor delivered by flatcar anywhere in the region. Locals still call it The Hoof and Hay. And a handshake and an honest dollar goes a long way at Berman Agricultural Supply. Just like it has been since 1946.

    The idea for a flat building came to me from the Last Chance Layout. Some of the industries where just that. A picture cut out and pasted on the backdrop. As an operator I didn't care but I liked that I could get a sense of place. And the car had a home and a mission. So this is my first attempt at a bit more depth. It's not perfect but I think I'll develop the scene over the next few weeks.