Alfred Collard was born in Arkwright, Ontario, Canada. He came to the United States in 1887, settling at Hillsboro, N.D. Later he moved to Halstead, Minn., and then to Bemidji in 1899 and lived there the rest of his life. He was engaged in the harness business for 38 years.
He also tried his hand at the saloon business. He obtained a license on May 25, 1900 to run a saloon on front room, ground floor, of the one story frame building situated on part lot North 13, 14.15,16,17, block seventeen (17). When Sjur Tong, an old cruiser, died in his sleep in the rear of Collard’s saloon in August 1900, it was under the management of “Sailor Pete.” In May 1905, he advertised that the one story frame building known as the Viking Saloon on Minnesota avenue was available for rent. Apply A. L. Collard, 910 Minnesota Avenue. (May 1905)
A.L. Collard went to Farley in November 1904 and remained there during the winter as manager of the harness shop of Blakely & Farley.
A brother, Fred Collard, died on Feb 7, 1907. Fred Collard has lived in Bemidji for several years, having tended bar in different saloons of the city. He was well known to many of the residents of the city, and well liked.
Alf Collard was confined in the Samaritan hospital for several weeks with typhoid fever in February of 1913 under the care of Dr. Sanborn and Mrs. Smith. After convalescing, he was expected back at his usual place of business on March 10th. His shop had been locked up during his illness.
The Collard Harness Shop was at 406 Minnesota Avenue. Their home was at 910 Minnesota. Alf Collard died in Sept 1937. His wife Julia died a month later.