Over 100 Years of History

Dawson & Keenan has been serving the Sault and Algoma for over 100 years.

In 1892, John Dawson established Dawson Real Estate and Fire Insurance. Following his death in 1915, his sons James and George took over the business, which at that time also included a grocery store.

In 1959 the firm moved to 121 Brock Street, where it is still located to this day, and three years later merged with competitor Clifford Keenan.

A new era began in 1962 at Dawson & Keenan when Arthur Day joined the firm as a partner. In 1973, Arthur purchased the business from his partners, and today, Dawson & Keenan is owned and operated by Arthur's children, Larry Day and Elaine Foster, in partnership with Graham Lidstone.

1892
1892 – Dawson Real Estate and Fire Insurance opens the doors for business.

Founded by John Dawson, who immigrated to Canada from England in 1869, the firm is established in 1892 as Dawson Real Estate and Fire Insurance, located on the corner of East and Queen Street.

1915
1915 – A family affair.

James joins his father’s insurance business in 1915, and for three years James and his brother attempt to run both businesses. 

1918
1918 – Branching out.

John Dawson sells the Dawson block to his sons, James and George, which consists of an insurance business and a grocery business.  At this point James carries on with the insurance business and George forms a partnership with Gibson to form the Dawson and Gibson Grocery business.

1922
1922 – Politically correct.

James James Dawson is elected Mayor of Sault Ste. Marie and continues in that office up to and including 1925. 

1932
1932 – Change is good.

James Dawson’s son Fred J. Dawson joins the firm. Now called Dawson & Dawson Real Estate and Insurance, Fred J. becomes owner-manager in 1941. The office building is enlarged and completely modernized that same year, and the firm’s name is changed once again to Fred J. Dawson, Real Estate and Insurance as required by law. 

1959
1959 – Moving on up.

In September 1959, the firm moves to Brock Street, occupying a large portion of the first floor of the new Dawson Building. 

1962
1962 – Go team go!

Fred Dawson merges his business with lifetime friend, Cliff Keenan. Together, they continue the operation under the present name.  That same year, Arthur Day joins the firm as junior partner.

1973
1973 – Follow the leader.

Arthur Day purchases Dawson & Keenan Ltd. from the retired partners, taking on the mantle of President. He carries on the business in Insurance and Real Estate under the Century 21 franchise.  

1983-84
1983-84 – Closing the generation gap.

Elaine and Larry start working at Dawson & Keenan. 

1988
1988 – Focal point.

Arthur Day’s children, Larry and Elaine, start taking over the management of Dawson & Keenan.   Due to government licensing requirements, real estate operations are discontinued and the business focuses on insurance.     

1994
1994 – Share and share alike.

Graham Lidstone becomes a shareholder and Vice President of Dawson & Keenan Insurance Ltd.   

1998
1998 – Membership has its privileges.

Dawson & Keenan Insurance became a chamber member in 1942 and is now considered the second longest standing member of the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce. 

1999
1999 – Starting a new chapter.

Arthur Day officially retires.  

2001
2001 – Teaming up.

Dawson & Keenan partners with ING Wealth Management to operate a financial services division. 

2008
2008 – A change in operations.

ING Wealth Management ceases operations and shortly after, Dawson & Keenan discontinues its involvement in financial services. 

2009
2009 – In recognition of.

Lucy Day, Larry Day’s wife, is recognized for 30 years of employment with Dawson & Keenan.  

2010
2010 – In it for the long haul.

Roberta Williamson is recognized for 40 years of employment with Dawson & Keenan. 

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