By Laura St. Germain
Neighbors Marketplace

Woonsocket Awning, located at 68 South Main St., has serviced Northern Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts for over eighty years. The business specializes in stylish and durable custom-made fabric awnings for windows and decks. Owner, David Dansereau, is the fourth generation proprietor of the business, first founded by his wife Janice's great grandfather, Albert Joseph Durand, in 1926.

In order to understand the level of care and dedication with which Dansereau applies to his craft, it is important to first have insight into the rich historical background of this long-time family business.

Durand, his wife Antonia, and their ten children lived on a farm in Canada, where they raised foxes. In 1924, the family moved to the United States where their eleventh child, a daughter named Helen, was born.

Albert Durand was employed at Rhode Island Awning, where he worked for about three months. He learned the trade quickly, discovering a passion for the craft, and eventually deciding to try his hand at making and selling his own awnings. The original name of the business was Woonsocket Awning Rhode Island, but was later called Woonsocket Awning.

The family resided in Bellingham for a short time, where Durand established the business in 1926. He worked crafting awnings during the spring and summer months, and during the winter he sold oil to supplement the income.

In 1955, Albert Durand's daughter, Lucille, and her husband, Robert Pelliter, took over the business, which was moved to Diamond Hill Road in Woonsocket. The family business was later passed onto Pelliter's nephew, Charles LaPage, who relocated the business to Manville Road in 1983.

Dansereau, who took over the business in 1996, and moved it to its present location, says that is was LaPage who taught him everything he knows about the trade, from pipe bending to sewing.

He goes on to explain how quickly he learned the craft, though at first he doubted his odds of success. "When I first came here I thought, 'I'm not going to learn to sew.' I never dreamed I would be using a sewing machine. When he (LaPage) showed me how to sew, it took me two to three months to learn. Charlie couldn't even believe it," he says.

Dansereau learned all aspects of the business and discovered it was his true calling. "It's been history ever since," he adds proudly. "I've done this for almost fourteen years and I love it. How many people can say they love their job"?

He describes the selection of awnings available to customers. Styles vary according to size and type of window, and include standard awnings, or double frame box awnings for windows that swing open. There is also a variety of deck awnings that can be custom made in many sizes.

Woonsocket Awning primarily does residential work, although it also services businesses on occasion. "I make my own awnings; I service my own," says Dansereau.

He states that he offers free estimates to all of his customers, and performs "put-ups and take-downs," which involves the installation of awning in the spring and the removal as fall nears. "I do not recommend leaving them up all year long," he says, explaining that constant exposure to the harsh winter weather and constantly changing climate will take its toll on them. 

If an existing awning frame installed by Dansereau is in need of a new covering, he can refabricate a new cloth covering for it. He states that the best time for recovering is before the end of March.

He says that with proper care, an awning can last 10 to 15 years, although he has seen cases where awnings have lasted for nearly 20 years or so. An awning will be useless if its frame is improperly constructed. Dansereau says that he has seen many awnings improperly made, and assures that he always takes the utmost care in his construction.

"I'm very meticulous in my work," he says. "I measure everything to make sure it lines up properly. I don't rush my work. I make it as if I was making it for my own home."

Dansereau shows a recent order of fabric that he has received. He explains that the fabric is constructed of highly-durable material. It is fade-, water- and mildew-resistant, and may be easily vacuumed, brushed or soaped clean, he says, but never powerwash or use harsh detergents to clean fabric. The fabric has a 5-year manufacturer's warranty, which protects against normal fading or discoloration due to exposure to the elements. Dansereau also crafts air conditioning covers, chair cushion covers, and canopies for porch swings using this fabric.

As far as colors go, the sky is the limit. "I have two books of color samples so customers can mix and match," he says. The most popular seem to be the striped awnings. "I sell about 15 stripes for every one solid. I think stripes dress up a house nicely."

Other embellishments, which may add to any awning, include a choice of colored or white braid trim and a choice of different scallop styles to complete your awnings.

Exceptional service, dedication, and quality craftsmanship has been a family tradition at Woonsocket Awning. Dansereau says his hope is that his son, Joshua, or is daughter, Stephanie, who assist him on occasion, will take ownership of the business someday, continuing this family tradition long into the future.