On November 24, 1899, the Grand Forks Herald reported a significant development for the Great Northern Express Company, which has nearly doubled its business in Grand Forks over the past year. This remarkable growth has prompted the company to consider relocating its office in the upcoming spring to enhance space, comfort, and service.
The surge in business is evident, with the company’s receipts rising dramatically. In July 1899, the Grand Forks office recorded receipts of $7,168.00, compared to just $4,718.00 in July 1898. This increase signals a robust business environment in the region, as evidenced by daily reports of heightened activity across various sectors.
Expansion Plans to Meet Demand
During a conversation with an employee at the Great Northern Express Company, it became clear that the office is one of the top performers within the entire Great Northern system. Despite operating with only two wagons in the city—an unchanged number since the business volume was lower—the company recognizes that the current service has not met customer expectations during peak times.
To address this issue, the company plans to add another wagon in the spring, improving overall service and ensuring that customer complaints become a rarity. This move is expected to enhance the efficiency of the Grand Forks office significantly, which has been handling an increasing volume of business with the same resources.
The lease for the company’s current location next to St. John’s block is set to expire in May 1900. As part of its relocation strategy, the company is considering a building owned by Captain Powers, located next to Stanchfield’s clothing store on Third Street. This new site could potentially house both ticketing and express services under one roof, further streamlining operations.
Future Office Enhancements
Should the relocation proceed as planned, the new office will feature updated fixtures and additional conveniences, aiming to become one of the finest on the line. The anticipated improvements are justified by the substantial business growth, particularly as the current premises have proven to be inadequate, especially during the colder months.
As the Great Northern Express Company prepares for this transition, the anticipated changes reflect a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. The company’s proactive approach to expanding its capabilities and enhancing service quality underscores the positive business climate in Grand Forks as it moves into the new century.
