FRANKLIN PROUSE LOVED SHIPS & THE WATER
While attending UTS in Toronto, Frank worked his summers as a waiter on the Canadian Pacific passenger vessel "Keewatin"(Pictured Below). The Keewatin ran between Port McNicholl, Ontario and Fort William/Port Arthur, passing through and stopping in the Sault 26 times each summer. This is how Frank, a Brampton native, initially discovered the Sault.
FRANK TRAINED ON THE HMCS CRESCENT
It's not surprising then that he attended Royal Canadian Naval College in Victoria B.C (Royal Roads) during World War 2. Graduating in 1946, Frank trained on a number of vessels in the Canadian Navy, one of which was the HMCS Crescent.
FRANKS FIRST GM DEALERSHIP
Frank opened his first GM Dealership in Acton, Ontario just North West of Toronto in 1956.
PONTIAC BUICK STORE IN SAULT STE. MARIE
In 1962, General Motors offered Frank the Pontiac Buick store in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. With his love of the area (specifically the ships and the abundance of water), he jumped at the opportunity, opening on Queen Street at the current Western Tire store.
PROUSE MOTORS MOVES TO 44 GREAT NORTHERN ROAD
In 1966, the volume of business dictated a larger facility, causing Prouse Motors to move to 44 Great Northern Road, just North of the current Pit Stop gas bar.
PROUSE MOTORS MOVES AGAIN
Fifteen years later, another move was necessary. Frank and his wife, Nora moved Prouse Motors to its current location on the corner of Great Northern Road and Third Line East in 1980. Sault Ste. Marie has only one way to expand, and that is North.
GRAND OPENING NIGHT
Grand opening night of this facility took place on October 1st, 1980. It was a family affair. Pictured left to right: Thornley Virene (close family friend), Franklin, Robert, Elizabeth, Nora, Leslie and Gordon. 40 years ago!
