Memories of a House
In 1939 a huge fire destroys a third of the town of St-Pierre.
Archives Michel Briand et Fils
Joséphine and Georges Pannier’s house is burnt to the ground, a house they have owned for only a few months. They have lost everything. However, with great courage and determination, they decide to rebuild on the ruins.
This time, they do not use wood as building material but bricks and soon a bright and spacious house is built where their first home once stood.
The building location, right downtown, is ideal to open a business.
The Maison Pannier in 1941
On the first floor, they set up what will become the very popular « Magasin Général Pannier – Gros et Détail » (Pannier General Store – Wholesale and Retail). The second and third floors are used for the family residence.
M.Pannier working at his desk (Photo P. Derible)
Georges manages the wholesale business and also a Renault dealership. Joséphine is in charge of the retail store. She has exquisite taste and chooses to sell products from brand names which are still flourishing nowadays: Petit Bateau, Antinéa, Christofle, etc…Very soon, the Maison Pannier becomes a prosperous business that will last for many years.
Georges et Joséphine Pannier
In 1982, Georges passes away and Joséphine stays alone in the big house. In 1991, she moves to the old age home where she dies at the age of 103. She is remembered as an extraordinary person and an honorable business woman.
