In 1913 Andrew Agencies Ltd. was established as a general insurance and travel agency. Robert Andrew was the sole proprietor and operator of this agency with the exception of a brief period circa 1922 when his son Vernon (Vern) worked with him. He represented the Miniota Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Co. that was purchased by the Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Co. in 1923. He represented the Cunard Steamship Lines selling steamship tickets. The original office was located at 131 Nelson St. W. in the rear of Yewdall’s Tailor Shop (the current Sears building). His desk was two by fours nailed to the wall studs with a plank across them. Robert then moved above Forster’s poolroom at 415 7^th Ave. S. and finally to the second floor at 219 Nelson St. W. Ted Treliving operated a barbershop on the lower level. Robert continued in the business until his demise on January 19^th, 1946.

Vern, upon return from overseas in October 1945, worked for his father. Following his father’s death Vern purchased the business, which he operated until his death on April 30^th, 1961. In 1946 Vern purchased the office building from George Gabel and moved the office to street level. Renovations to the Interior in 1958 changed the façade from two entries to one. The office was open Monday to Saturday with Saturday closing at 1:00 A.M. As time passed, office hours changed to Thursday afternoon closing with Saturday night closing at midnight and finally to 11:00 P.M. The office door was never locked during business hours even at coffee break. Vern would return from coffee to find clients sitting in the office waiting for him. Out of office calls to premises were done after hours. Vern worked alone with the exception of a few years when Gladys (Henderson) Carefoot and Frank Woodmass Jr. were office staff. During high school Bob worked part time with his father typing policies and doing the mail.

In 1956 Bob began full time employment at the agency. Following his father’s untimely death, Bob purchased the business operating it for the next 32 years. Andrew Agencies was incorporated in 1964. A full time secretary became part of the operating picture. Calls were made during office hours and Thursday afternoon. Saturday night closing was now at 10:00 P.M. In 1978 Bob built a new office at 297  7^th Avenue S. His wife Marjorie became part of the increasing staff.

FUTURE
Andrew Agencies continues to expand to better serve our customers and operates under a progressive management team. We are proud of our legacy and will continue to do the little things that keep our customers coming back.