During World War II, when new cars were not available, people came to Frenchy's Auto Parts to keep their cars running. Owners Dumitru and Anna Simionescu faced difficulties, including rebuilding after a 1949 fire and financial struggles, yet they loved Roseville and its residents and even gave free auto parts to people having tough times. Dumitru, born in Romania and nicknamed "Frenchy" because he spoke many languages, moved to Roseville in 1925 and married Anna in 1943. He first farmed on his property at Gratiot and Florian Street, but the auto parts business grew to fill his 2-acre lot. At its peak, Frenchy's Auto Parts had about 150 cars on the 2-acre lot.