UPDATE: In a significant development for East Grand Forks, Earl L. Enright has officially sold the Enright Oil Company he founded 36 years ago to the Farmers Cooperative Marketing Association. The transition will take effect on January 1, 1969, marking a pivotal moment in the community’s business landscape.
Enright, a beloved civic leader and former mayor, expressed pride in his long-standing commitment to East Grand Forks. “It’s a wonderful area to live in,” Enright said, underscoring the strong ties he has built over decades. He noted that around 75 percent of his customers have been loyal for generations.
The sale comes as Enright prepares for semi-retirement, allowing him to dedicate more time to vital community initiatives. He is currently chairman of the Red River Basin Committee, which focuses on flood control projects along the Red River. Enright also leads the Red Lake River Improvement Association, where efforts are underway for the planned construction of an 85-foot high dam at Huot, Minnesota, aimed at flood prevention.
Enright’s legacy in East Grand Forks extends beyond his oil business. He served 12 years as mayor, where he championed numerous civic improvements, including the modernization of city services and enhancements to local infrastructure. His tenure saw the paving of DeMers Avenue and the separation of the water and light department from City Hall.
Born just three miles from East Grand Forks, Enright’s roots in the community run deep. After graduating from St. James High School and Union Commercial College, he began his business career before launching his own oil company in 1932.
Now, as he hands over the keys to his business, Enright plans to continue his involvement in community affairs. He recently completed a term on the board of directors for the East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce and remains an influential voice in local development.
Enright’s family, including his wife Lillian and their four children, share his commitment to the community. Their son, Earl “Buddie” Enright, works at the East Grand Forks Post Office, while their daughter Virginia serves as a nurse at St. Francis Hospital in Crookston.
As the community prepares for the transition of ownership at Enright Oil, residents and local businesses are eager to see how the Farmers Cooperative Marketing Association will carry on the legacy of service and dedication established by Earl L. Enright over the past three decades.
With the sale finalized, all eyes are now on the future projects Enright will champion, especially the critical flood control measures that will protect East Grand Forks and surrounding areas for generations to come.
