Prentice's Established and Licensed Auctioneers Since 1891
Our Story…..The business was started in 1891 by John H. Prentice, later joined by nephews Ken Prentice (in 1920) and Clarke Prentice (in 1940). For more than a century the Prentice name has been synonymous with authentic Auctions in the GTA (the former counties of Peel, York and Ontario).
John Prentice began in 1891 in north Toronto auction fames and house contents and joined by Ken following his return from WW I until 1940 when Ken left again for service in WWII. The Auction business continued in both good and bad economic times. In the depression era of the 1930’s all purchases above $15 were covered with promissory notes and many discounted later at Banks for cash. There was little money around.
With Ken overseas for WWII Clarke joined his then elderly Uncle John Prentice and found himself alone in the business following his uncle’s untimely death in late 1940. Clarke carried on himself until Ken returned from overseas in 1945. Auctions were held on location as well as the newly established Prentice Auction rooms located at the Franklin House Hotel premises on Main St at Robinson in Markham. Ken & Clarke established Yonge street as an imaginary dividing line with Ken selling everything west and Clarke selling everything east.
Later with the expropriation of lands for Hwy. 401, several farms went under the Prentice hammer including lands owned by George S. Henry and Tyrell’s Apple Orchards. Ill health forced Ken to retire in 1971.
Clarke continued until 1982.
Many up and coming Auctioneers including the late Norm Faulkner of Stouffville were introduced to the business by Ken and Clarke Prentice. At one time both Ken and Clarke could call every bidder by their first name. John Prentice, to his credit knew most everyone in York County in his day.
It takes more than a keen eye and a fast tongue to be successful. There is a mixture of business and entertainment ---“…if talk was all there was to this business a parrot could do it …” states Ken Jr.
Since 1978 Ken Prentice Jr. assisted by long time friend Keith Pike have handled several Auctions and fund raising charity sales.
The tradition continues with Ken Prentice Jr. and Keith Pike specializing in Estate Auctions. Today, with each auction, Prentice & Pike climb atop the original coke box stand, wield aloft the age old auction stick, and are met with smile from the crowd below and three great Auctioneers above.
The tradition continues…..watch your local press for Prentice and Pike Auctions.
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