03/11/2024
Today marks three years since Dale Ulmer’s passing, and in celebration of his life we wanted to share some history about a place that was a very important part of his life~the shop yard that is now known as D-n-R’s Place campground.
The shop was originally built by the British American Oil company and was known in Bethune & area as the B.A. Service Station. In 1963 it was purchased by Roy Riche, Gerry Ulmer and Don Ulmer and the name was changed to Bethune Farm Equipment (BFE). BFE was a place to stop in for gas, mechanical and agricultural parts and repairs. They sold and serviced all short line equipment-Cockshutt, New Holland, Versatile and White. Dale started working at BFE in 1974 as the parts manager and a mechanic. (He always amazed people that he would immediately know the part number of what they needed or had ordered, and he could fix pretty much anything!)
BFE was a community hub. The shop was important part of the business community, but also a place for friends, family and the community to gather to stop in, shoot the breeze and enjoy a coffee, pop or beer.
BFE closed in 2004, and Dale & Rhonda purchased it shortly after. The Ulmers hosted crash up derby’s in the early 2000’s. The shop yard was also featured in a movie! Dale had a vision of breathing new life into the yard space by building a campground. In 2012, D-n-R’s Place campground welcomed their first campers/visitors.
Today the campground is steady with visitors coming and going spring through fall, and we even have some that stay through the winter months! It is busy with people stopping by for a quick rest & reprieve on their way through on holidays, temporary home to several working at the potash mine, to guests attending weddings, family reunions, sports day and other important community events.
Stop in anytime, say hello, have a rest and a drink in Dale’s corner. Stay for a night or several. Whether you are looking to book a short overnight stay, or stay with us long term, we are always happy to have you at D-n-R’s Place!
*if anyone has more information about the history, stories, or pictures of the shop, we’d love if you would share!
Photo #1-The original shop in 1960
Photo #2-Crash up Derby in 2008
Photo #3-Movie set-Dale & Tom Green at the shop
Photo #4-The shop-Summer 2023
Photo #5-Dale's corner. Dale's grandkids enjoying the bench made by Prairie Railing & Manufacturing 2018 Ltd. in Bethune
