The first homes in Catherine were simple, having no luxuries, but their appearance was far better than other area villages and they were built of high quality, mostly of stone quarried in the area.

The townspeople continued their Russian custom of living in towns and driving to and from the farm each day to work. The livestock was kept in town on a specific section set aside for grazing purposes. While this custom was socially advantage, over time, it would cause the village to become one of the poorest settlements in the area, due to all of the commuting time. Finally, the people realized this was not practical, and the practice was ceased.

In absence of a priest, Catholic services were often held outside or in homes until a school house, which also served as a church, was built in 1879. For the next 13 years, services were held there until a new church building could be completed. In October, 1892, the new church was dedicated.

In 1897, the communal shareholding of the St. Catherine Town and Grazing Company, was changed and deeds were issued for ownership of town lots and land. By 1902, the children of the community had outgrown the school, and a new new four-roomed stone structure was built. It was entrusted to the Sisters of St. Agnes, who had taken charge of the old school.

Another change was in the making for the St. Catherine Town Company in 1908. In February, the last bit of communal land,  upon a petition signed by two-thirds of the shareholders, was divided among the shareholders by casting lots. By 1910, the town was called home to about 50 people.