Is there a way to determine what Ford dealerships were in Northern California in the 1910 to 1920 time frame? Thanks
That would probably be difficult in any state, given the number of Ford dealerships there were. Some were auto (only) dealerships; others were Ford authorized "repair stations" that also sold cars; and some were dealerships that were combined with hardware stores, livery stables, and the such. Ford Motor Company doesn't even have complete records on every car and truck manufactured during that time period; much less a record of every dealer. The best account anyone could produce, is if a thread were started on the forum and every reader of this forum, posted the dealership name and city and state of every dealer that they had personal, verifiable knowledge of.
I think that William L Huson was in business in San Francisco in 1903. As I remember they were the largest dealer in the area.
Kim, William L Hughson had several dealerships up and down California from what I have read.
Look him up on Google.
Harvey M Harper opened Harper Motors Ford dealership in 1912 in Eureka California. They are still in business today. Harvey G Harper, born 1918, ran the business for many years and also became a notable antique car collector. He passed away in 2010. Most of the car collection was sold off after his passing.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2
I've met the grandson of Mr. Harper on a number of tours, driving around in a 1925 Locomobile.
I worked for Stewart's Ford/Merc in the early '70's. My boss was 3rd generation owner. They opened in 1913 and folded in the '80's (I think). Tho original building was torn down a few years ago.
Oh yeah, that was in San Andreas, Ca.
At a Chicago bicycle show 101 years ago, Henry Ford met William “Billy” Hughson. He ended up becoming the world's first Ford dealer.
Mr. Hughson's transcripts are included in THF collection of "Reminiscences." As Ford's first agent (according to his transcript) Mr. Hughson relates many stories about major events at FMC and relates many personal experiences with Henry Ford.
Meeting Henry Ford for the first time in 1902:
Agreeing to sell Fords and on territory in 1903:
On recovering Ford's racer, 999:
Henry Ford on obtaining financing "caused by minority stockholders:"
Letting Klingensmith go, and later Charles Sorenson after problems with Edsel:
Link to the transcript:
http://cdm15889.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getdownloaditem/collection/p15889coll2/id/6850/type/compoundobject/show/1/cpdtype/document-pdf/filename/6774.pdfpage/width/0/height/0/mapsto/pdf/filesize/0/title/HughsonReminiscences%201