Renewal

The oldest business in Picton—W.H. Williamson and Co. Ltd. Insurance Brokerage—has changed hands. G & B Allen Insurance Brokers Ltd. has taken over business operations of the branch.

Founded in 1883 by William Henry Williamson, the brokerage has changed hands a few times now. Following Williamson’s retirement after 45 years, the company was purchased by John Platt Williams and his brother-in-law L.A. Van- Skiver. In 1939, Williams was appointed treasurer of Prince Edward County and sold his interest to VanSkiver. The business was to become a partnership once again, when Kathleen (Wright) Thorley, who is Frank Wright’s aunt, purchased half-ownership, after VanSkiver became ill. At his death in 1949, she obtained the balance.

Frank Wright broke into the business in 1965, fresh out of Prince Edward Collegiate Institute at the ripe age of 18. He recalls living in Waupoos, without a car, and he would hitchhike to and from Picton each day until he could afford to buy his aunt’s car.

Frank’s wife, Arlene, was a teacher at Pinecrest Elementary School in Bloomfield for 11 years. She left her teaching career in 1981 to join Frank at the brokerage. She obtained her broker’s licence and later worked in accounting.

When asked why now for retirement, Frank admits he is burnt out. “We had only two staff doing four people’s work,” says Frank.

COVID, and staffing issues, have led to much of the decision. Allen Insurance Company offered an employee to help out at the office. “They threw us a lifeline and sent an employee down, which gave them one foot in the door,” adds Arlene.

Both Frank and Arlene believe Allen Insurance Company is the perfect fit for the County. Frank has known Bryce Allen, the owner, for many years. His two children, Joanna and Nathan, now run and operate the business. “We have known them for a number of years and have ongoing contact with them. They have asked quite a few times if we were ready to retire,” said Arlene.

Allen Insurance Company is 120 years old and four-generation family run and operated. They have seven branches focusing on small towns and rural areas.

“Their focus is very similar to us, and they maintain that small town community-minded feel. We thought it was a perfect fit,” says Arlene

The Wrights will retain ownership of the flagship building at the corner of Main Street and Elizabeth Street, and Allen Insurance will operate the storefront.

Frank has seen many changes in the insurance industry in his 59-year career. Many companies have turned to an all digital model, where the client has to reach a call centre and be dispatched to a broker. He and Arlene are proud of the fact they have been able to keep a bricks and mortar location, right on Main Street. They believe it’s nice to be able to look the person you are speaking to in the eye. It’s also led to many personal connections. Even to the author of this article.

“Your last name is Engelsdorfer?” asks Frank. “I had your grandfather’s insurance when he was stationed at Camp Picton in 1968. His name was Frank too,” he chuckles.

And that’s what the couple will miss the most. The daily interaction.

“We were deemed essential during COVID, so we were able to carry on business. It got us out of the house, and we would go out on the street and chat with people. It was a godsend to have social interaction. Frank is like a fixture. People will come in and not necessarily talk about insurance, but just want to catch up,” says Arlene.

“The small brokers have time to talk to people. I spent more time looking after the clients I had rather than looking for new ones,” adds Frank.

As mentioned, Frank is a fixture in Picton. He has served his community in many capacities through the years. He is the last remaining original member of the Rotary Club of Picton, which he joined in 1974. He is a member of the Masonic lodge and a past president of the Prince Edward Chamber of Commerce. A sports enthusiast, he served as chairman of the North Marysburgh recreation field project in 1978-79, and coached minor hockey as well.

Arlene is also a fixture. For many years, she has weeded and planted flowers in various Picton locations. Luckily, she has committed to remaining involved with the Picton BIA. “I like it, it’s my thing,” she says. “I am either stupid, or stubborn, or maybe a bit of both. Even if we had no tourism, which of course is never going to happen, as a life-long resident, the things happening on Main Street are just as important for us residents,” she adds.

Frank has seen many changes on Main Street over the years. He recalls that only Williamson Insurance and CF Evans Lumber still have the same name.

“Us little guys are being bought up, there is no question about it,” he says. “They are large enough to be competitive and offer our clients a little more choice than we could. That’s all good too.”