“take the wheel…make a deal…on a beautiful Rocket Oldsmobile”
Important Notice: This column thread is closed from further reader comment at this site, as of February 12, 2018, due to a volume of interest that exceeds our particular aims at The Pecan Park Eagle. We are appreciative, however, of the apparent high interest in a site that is designed to keep this ball rolling.
Reader John Landeche has created a new site at Facebook for everyone who wants to stay in touch as connected members of this new “Old Houston Car Dealers” location on FB.
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Thank you all for support here. And please know that we will do all we can to help the group connect at their new base.
Regards,
Bill McCurdy, Publisher
The Pecan Park Eagle
Most to all of the Houston car dealers that I shall mention here are long gone. I’m presuming they all are, but with the caveat that one or two may still exist on a low-advertising budget during an era in my life which finds me less involved with car dealers than I ever was as a kid and young man.
I grew up with cars and car dealers because cars were my my dad;s business. Dad had a Dodge-Plymouth dealership in Beeville, Texas back in the 1930s. In fact, when Dad opened his doors there in 1936, he was briefly recognized as the youngest car dealer in the United States at age 25.
World War II ended our family-run dealership and we moved to Houston on my fifth birthday, December 31, 1942, spending our first Houston night at the old Big Chief Motel on South Main and celebrating New Year’s Eve with burgers at the Prince’s Drive Inn at the South Main/OST “Y” connection of those two old city roads.
Dad spent World War II working as a welder at the Brown’s Shipyard and then went to work as manager of the parts department for the Jess Allen Chrysler-Plymouth dealership near the Broadway/Harrisburg “L” link in 1946. He later held the same job for Bill Lee Motors, a Studebaker dealership on Lawndale, east of 75th, from 1950 to 1958. 1958 is also the year that my parents and siblings moved back to Beeville so Dad could go back into business for himself. I stayed here because I was already into my junior year at the University of Houston by then – and because I had been raised as a Houstonian. I didn’t have to leave town to go home. Home was here.
An off-the-top-of-my-head list of Houston car dealers that are no more includes Jack Roach Ford, Sam Montgomery Oldsmobile, Earl McMillan Ford, Jess Allen Plymouth-Chrysler, Bill Lee (Studebaker) Motors, Art Grindle Motors (I forget what he sold), and so many more that now escape easy memory, and they all sold American cars: Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Hudson, Nash, Kaiser, Fraser, Chrysler, Plymouth, and Dodge.
There were other American cars and far more now-lost dealerships in Houston that I can no longer quickly recall, but they were once here. And they were real. And they basically drove Houston and fired the horsepower of our mid-20th century American economy. Then along came VW, Renault, Fiat, and Toyota – like so many soldiers from the Trojan Horse belly of our new Post WWII world economy – and it was all but over soon for the dominance of Detroit in the American new car world.
Because of my partiality to Oldsmobile, or maybe “just anyway,” I do still easily remember the jingle that Sam Montgomery used to attract new customers by radio. Sung a cappella by a men’s barbershop quartet, the Sam Montgomery Oldsmobile pitch went like this:
“Go to Sam Montgomery, and climb behind a Rocket!
You will find what’s right for you!
A car to fit your pocket!
Take the wheel, make a deal, of a beautiful Rocket Oldsmobile!
Better talk to Sam! – Sam the Rocket Man!
Talk to Sam Montgomery today!
(He’s in the Village!)
Talk to Sam Montgomery – TODAY!”
… Have a nice Thursday, everybody! If you remember the names of the many other now vanished Houston car dealerships that I have so easily forgotten, please post them below as additions to this piece.
Tags: America, car dealers, culture, History, Houston
The Pecan Park Eagle 
November 11, 2010 at 1:15 pm |
Bill-Art Grindle sold Dodge-Cal Worthington Dodge-Mike Persia Pontiac-Bill McDavid Olds-Chuck Davis Chevrolet-DeMontrand Buick-Frizzel Pontiac-and Bland Willis Cadilac are a few I rember.
January 26, 2018 at 3:38 am |
Except It was Mike Persia Chevrolet
November 11, 2010 at 2:08 pm |
My Dad bought a Oldsmobile at Sam White in 1953. I sold Ford Mustangs in 1964 for Joe Meyers on Westhiemer. It was his 1 st. dealership in Houston. I then went to Marcus Jones Buick and later to Ray Jensen Buick. Bob Robertson on the Gulf Freeway was one of the oldest Chevy dealers in Houston. Frizzell Pontiac on Harrisburg had a big sign in front” Whale Of A Deal”. After losing my Chemical operators job at Petro Texas Chemical on Old Galveston road after 20 years and went to Frank Gillman Pontiac on Bellaire before moving to Central Texas.Thats all folks for now.
Vito
November 11, 2010 at 2:20 pm |
Bill, Lets not forget truck dealerships which were so important to the oil patch,freeway and housing construction and Houston,s phenomenal growth…I mention this because my dad was the parts Mgr. at International Harvester ( Lockwood at Navigation) where thet “tricked out” all the duce and a half Schlumberge rigs. Jefferson Jack
October 27, 2016 at 3:16 am |
My older brother Larry worked for Trucks of Texas, Gulf Fwy.
November 11, 2010 at 2:34 pm |
Bill: Does anyone remember “Aubrey, Orval and Mac”?
November 11, 2010 at 10:07 pm |
Tony:
Absolutely! Aubrey, Orval & Mac” advertised on Houston Buff scorecards in 1951 and probably earlier. Their ads featured a cartoon of three bald men, looking the other way so that we can see their bald pates. Under the cartoon, the boys left their major marketing slogan: “Aubrey, Orval, & Mac have less overhead in LaPorte.”
Bill
July 8, 2012 at 9:06 pm |
I thought was Jay Marks Chevy and later Mazda in LaPorte?
January 26, 2018 at 3:41 am |
I do, never went there, weren’t they an AMC dealer ??
January 26, 2018 at 1:21 pm
Aubrey, Orval and Mac were a Rambler dealer in the 60’s. There were us (Vance and Sons “in Houston since 1925”, Archer motors, Aubrey Orval and Mac, Willingham Rambler all in the 50’s and 60’s
Patrick Vance
July 31, 2019 at 4:11 pm
JOHN CALL BRUCE 713-937-9297
November 11, 2010 at 2:52 pm |
Art Grindle was a Dodge dealership. He sponsered the Saturday morning movies and jumped up and down on the hoods of the used cars and he used wild animals, buy yer Chevrolet from Davis, Chuck Davis Chevrolet. I once rode an elephant at the Ford Dealership at the Gulf Freeway and Wayside. Courtesy Chevrolet, Richardson Chevrolet and Frizzel Pontiac where u got a “Whale of a Deal”, and they drug a banner behind a plane frequently. Margery McCurdy, I was yer neighbor on Japonica 1956-1958, love to hear from u. randal@austin.rr.com
November 11, 2010 at 3:00 pm |
Bill: Great column, especially that 1951 two-door. I had one just like it when I was in law school in the late 50’s, then I went on to a 1956 Olds convertible, black and white, then a 1959 Olds convertible which had the biggest trunk in the world. When I was at KU with the 56 convertible, Wilt Chamberlain had one just like it. I used to get a lot of looks until the people determined I wasn’t Wilt.
November 11, 2010 at 3:01 pm |
Being from the Pasadena area, A.C. Collins was there for years, and who could forget fromer Rocket owner, Charlie Thomas-worst rug ever.
March 14, 2021 at 4:27 am |
Boyd Mullen, later called Timmers Chevrolet on 225 at Richey and now Monument Chevrolet
Jack Sollock Chrysler Plymouth on Richey
November 11, 2010 at 5:15 pm |
BILL:
My parents purchased a house on Addison Road (between the Shamrock Hotel and Rice Stadium) from one of the oldest salesmen at either Al Parker Buick or Earl North Buick; the man’s name was Dan Ford. The house still stands today. My favorite Used Car dealer was Cliff Marshall Auto Sales on the SW corner of Milam & W. Gray. Cliff and I (and his family) became close friends over the years and I must have purchased over a dozen various cars from Cliff. [I have owned -maybe 60 cars since I started buying automobiles; – the majority of them “used” – can only recall 5 new ones! Cliff moved to New Waverly on some acreage and raised miniature horses as a hobby, and still dealt in cars as a Wholesaler. Sadly, Cliff was killed in a head-on accident one night while returning to New Waverly on old Hwy 75. The driver that hit Cliff’s car was drunk and had several prior counts of drunk driving.
November 10, 2015 at 12:44 am |
i lived on addison 2328. rice area. before that knipp road in memorial. i lived across the steet from the DAVE SNELLING LINCOLN-MERCURY wife. a knock out blond who was divorced 5 time. one being DAVE SNELLING LINCOLN-MERCURY and another being Parker of Parker brother concrete. in tghe 70d’s
November 11, 2010 at 7:38 pm |
Not to nitpick, but Mike Persia sold Chevys, and the jingle quoted was his, not Chuck Davis’. It featured an animated guy in a fez playing drums with: “Buy your Chevrolet from persia. Mike Persia Chevrolet.” It was on the southern edge of downtown, as was Gillman Pontiac before they moved to Sharpstown and Jacoby-Pearson Ford Mercury. Mike Persia himself was from New Orleans and had a dealership there that used the same jingle. The GM was a guy named Joe Conte who later had the Chevy dealership under his own name. As a baseball related sidenote, Rusty Staub sold Chevys for Mike Persia during the off season. I got my first little league glove and a baseball authogrpahed by him on the showroom floor when I was seven years old.
November 11, 2010 at 10:18 pm |
Mike:
You’re right. As I recall the two separate jingles, the Mike Persia bit went as you described it. The Chuck Davis jingle simple went: “Davis! … Chuck Davis! … Chuck Davis Chevrolet! … Can and will make you a better deal … on America’s number one automobile! … Davis! … Chuck Davis! … Chuck Davis Chevrolet!”
Bill
March 3, 2011 at 7:42 pm |
do you happen to remeber gthe street address of mike persia chevrolet in houseton in 1966? thanks, jim
December 17, 2011 at 7:15 am
Mike Persia Chevrolet (Houston – Downtown) was located on the corner of McKinney at LaBranch St.
November 11, 2010 at 10:49 pm |
Bill:
It seems to me Joe Lombardo had a ’51 Olds when we were at Saint Thomas. He was proud of that car and with good reason. How about Ivy Russell Ford?
November 12, 2010 at 1:30 am |
Speaking of cars at STHS in the class of ’56; as recalled>
Peter O’Hare had an all black ’54 Ford w/ the famous Police Interceptor engine – and I think Jimmy Exley had the first ’55 Chevy of all that Class – orange & white with the small V8 (might have been a convertible – and Don McLarty had a ’54 Ford hardtop – blue & white w/ a V8. Jim Greenwood has an old Studebaker green 2- door coupe; that car was a stick shift on the column, but had a small piece on the clutch pedal that was known as a “Hill Holder” and when properly depressed it locked the car in a “park” position so when on an incline you did not have to keep pressure on the brake pedal!
November 12, 2010 at 8:30 pm |
I remember Art Grindle. Think he later moved to Florida.
November 15, 2010 at 5:20 am |
Who had the Chevrolet dealership on the Katy Freeway with the commercial that ended with the jingle, “7777 Katy Freeway – just west of Post Oak!” No Post Oak there anymore, of course.
November 15, 2010 at 12:15 pm |
“7777 Katy Freeway” ….
Mark:
Was it Chuck Davis, as in, “Davis … Chuck Davis …. Chuck Davis Chevrolet… 7777 Katy Freeway?”
January 4, 2012 at 7:19 pm
It was Courtesy Chevrolet..
February 26, 2016 at 8:05 pm
Courtesy Chevrolet 7777 Katy Fwy
January 5, 2012 at 12:44 am |
I worked there at Courtesy Chevrolet in 72, the remodeling made the work area I had almost centered in the Service managers Office area in later years. In 05 I talked with the service manager there and remembering old times even though he hadn’t been there in those early years, he told me then that they planned on building a new place after the new freeway completion, if I remember I heard on the news that he had died sometime before I once again left Houston. Of course I saw the dealership finally close for good with all the disruption in the freeway and the economy. Houston is on a path like those that were living in the early 1900’s saw, it just keeps getting bigger and bigger and old is torn down and new goes up. I don’t know it this is a good thing or not, what I do know is it won’t make a bit of difference for us old guys, I just wish I had some photos of the old places I worked. I’ve looked and looked and never found any photos of the old Al Parker building and Dealership, sure wish I could.
October 14, 2014 at 8:41 pm |
Courtesy chev
October 14, 2014 at 11:11 pm
Was it Tom Peacock? I worked there in 74 but later moved from Houston for many years and when I returned in 05 it was a different owner. I forgot all those old guys I worked for got old just like me and dealers were sold and passed on to others. Courtesy was another Katy Freeway dealer and I also worked there in 72, it closed down due to freeway expansion. That wasn’t the plan according to the service manager I talked with in 05 while home, he died after that talk, but I do know he told me that they planned on just moving down the street a little further back off the feeder, it never materialized. I don’t think the City wanted business to build back up after being forced to shut down like they were. That’s the price you pay to be in the big city. I miss home but I don’t miss living there, if that makes any sense.
July 26, 2020 at 3:06 pm |
Joe Prichett’s Courtesy Chevrolet…7777 Katy Freeway
November 18, 2010 at 4:52 am |
Art Grindle sold Chrysler/Plymouth
There was also Frizzell Pontiac, Sam White(Buick or Olds)
Lester Goodson Pontiac, Frank Gillman Pontiac
Jacobe-Pearson Ford/Lincoln Mercury, Hub Buick, Luke Johnson Ford
and Bland-Willis Cadillac.
New car dealerships were either downtown or on Harrisburg between Wayside & where it becomes Broadway by the Old Harrisburg Bank Building
November 18, 2010 at 5:06 am |
Courtesy Chevrolet, 7777 Katy Freeway
There was also Norm Livermore’s Gulf Coast Dodge across from Gulfgate and there was a Dodge Dealership downtown right across the street from the old Federal Reserve Bank Building.
But I can’t remember the name.
November 23, 2010 at 1:52 pm |
Art Grindle sold Chrysler’s. I worked for him for one day in his used car lot as a summer job after my freshman year at college. No way I was going to stand around in that good old Houston heat in a suit on an concrete parking lot. Grindle as I recall started out in Fort Worth/Dallas and got run out of town because of some shenanigans. I grew up in Pecan Park on Linden
November 23, 2010 at 2:04 pm |
Gil:
Welcome, Linden Street “Eagle!”
Bill McCurdy
November 26, 2010 at 3:28 am |
Hello from Calgary, Canada. Does anybody remember Alfonse Edwin Ortega (1896-1982) who worked many years for Gillman Pontiac in Houston until 1962? We are doing family genealogy project and know very little about my uncle Alfonse except basic information in an obituary. His wife was Ruth V. Ortega, stepson was Lawrence J. Baker of Houston and grandson was David M. Baker, all of Houston. We want to make sure he is not forgotten. Any help would be appreciated. Bernd
March 31, 2011 at 9:32 pm |
Very interesting details you have remarked, thankyou for posting .
August 5, 2011 at 11:33 pm |
Here are a few others from Houston’s past:
Krieger Dodge-Plymouth, 1918 Louisiana @ Leelend
Higginbotham Buick, 7001 Harrisburg Blvd
Turbiville Motors (Lincoln-Mercury) on South Main
Dow Motor Company (OK by Dow) Chevrolet, Downtown
Thad Felton Motor Company (Ford) on Milam, Downtown
J.C. Robison Pontiac on Harrisburg Blvd.
Lane Oldsmobile, Downtown
Palm Center Dodge, 5229 Griggs Rd.
August 5, 2011 at 11:48 pm |
Thanks, Joel. Hope I remembered to include the two my dad worked for:
Jesse Allen Chrysler-Plymouth on Broadway/Harrisburg, and,
Bill Lee Motors, a Studebaker dealer on Lawndale, two blocks east of 75th.
August 17, 2011 at 11:44 pm |
Thanks for the Sam Montgomery Olds jingle. Sam Montgomery Sr. was my grandfather and the one who opened the dealership on Kirby Drive.
January 27, 2020 at 8:05 pm |
Hi Sam I’m working on a project!! and need pictures of your grandgather’s dealership!!! Do you have any??? It would me the world if you did!! and can immortalize your grandpa!!!
January 27, 2020 at 8:25 pm |
Sorry I just realized how short I was, my name is Vanessa. I am working on a film I can’t publicly talk about but we need footage or pictures of your grandpa at his auto dealership. Preferably of him in his astronaut suit! please email me if you can! I know this might sound super random but its for a great cause!! I can explain more once we talk outside of this forum!
September 26, 2011 at 9:33 pm |
Earl McMillan Ford was located downtown Houston at Louisana and Rusk streets. It later moved out to Katy Rd. and was taken over by his son Don McMillan. Burkett Motors (Dodge Plymouth), Rosenstock Motors (DeSoto Plymouth), Mosehart and keller (Studebaker), Knapp Chevrolet, (its a snap to deal with Knapp), Broadway Motor Co. (Hudson) They were located at 402 Broadway and that building used to be Jack Roach Ford, by then Jack Roach had moved to 615 Broadway, then to Bissonnet and Buffalo Speedway about 1953. For a short time while they were waiting to get into the Bissonnet store they were located next door to the tower thearte on Westheimer. South Texas Motor Co. (Kaiser), Vance and sons (Nash), Fly and Harwook (Crosley), Higgenbotham Buick was located on Harrisburg.
October 13, 2011 at 2:43 am |
I was surfing trying to find some old photos of the old Al Parker Dealership, all these listed here are familiar but I worked in more than just a few over 30 years. Got my first job after the Army and a place called Vietnam, Florian Meleski the service manager there at Al Parker hired me. It was the nicest friendliest place a person would want to work. Ironically years later I was hired again by Florian when he was service manager at River Oaks Chrysler. Most of the mechanics I worked with in those early years were all much older and near retirement age, I know most are gone now but not forgotten.
December 17, 2011 at 6:22 am |
Naming Houston dealerships sound fun. Remember looking at all of the metal dealer emblem tags and sticker emblazoned on the back bumper and trunk lids of cars? Dealer’s from the 1960s thru early 1980s…….I’m going from memory here.
Knapp Chevrolet – Washington Ave
MacRobert Chevrolet – So Post Oak (later AJ Foyt Chevrolet, then Texstar Chevrolet)
Richardson Chevrolet – SW Freeway at Hillcroft (later Cal Worthington Chevrolet)
Bob Robertson Chevrolet – Gulf Freeway
Jimmie Green Chevrolet – Westheimer at Shepherd
Chuck Davis Chevrolet – OST
Mike Persia Chevrolet – Downtown (later Joe Conte Chevrolet)
Joe Conte Chevrolet – Gulf Freeway at Beltway 8
Tom Peacock Chevrolet – I-10 West
Courtesy Chevrolet – 7777 Katy Freeway
Boyd Mullen Chevrolet – Pasadena
Norman Frede Chevrolet – Clear Lake
Jay Marks Chevrolet – LaPorte “Less overhead”
Ford’s Chevrolet – Tomball
Robbins Chevrolet – Humble
Marshall Chevrolet – Hempstead
Lester Goodson Pontiac – Downtown, later I-45 North
Frizzell Pontiac – Harrisburg, then Woodridge / Gulfgate “Whale of a Deal” (later became Charlie Smith Pontiac)
Frank Gillman Pontiac – Downtown, later moved to Bellaire Blvd Sharpstown in 1967
Leo Jarnagin Pontiac – Downtown, later I-10 West “Honey of a Deal”
Gay Pontiac – Dickinson, TX
Mahaffey Motors Pontiac – Texas City
Flowers Pontiac – Galveston
Al Welling Motors Pontiac – Alvin
White Pontiac – Rosenberg
Coon Cole Pontiac – Huntsville
Sam White Oldsmobile – Beechnut/Sharpstown
Sam Montgomery Oldsmobile – Main at McGowen/Downtown
Bill McDavid Oldsmobile – Gulf Freeway / Gulfgate (Later Dan Boone Oldsmobile)
Mossy Oldsmobile – I-10 Katy Freeway
Joe Grillo Oldsmobile – Rosenberg
Earle North Buick – Milam/Downtown
Marcus Jones Buick – OST, then Bellaire at Hillcroft
Demontrond Buick – Kirby at Westheimer, later I-45 North
Hub Buick – Kirby at Westheimer (old Demondtrond showroom)
Bob Marco Buick – Gulf Freeway (later Enos Cabell Buick?)
Al Parker Buick – Katy Freeway
Bland Cadillac – Downtown
Highams Cadillac – Post Oak at 610 West Loop
David Taylor Cadillac – SW Freeway
McGinnis Cadillac – Katy Freeway
Barton Rambler AMC – OST
Frizzell AMC – Woodridge / Gulfgate
Vance & Sons AMC – Bellaire Blvd west of Chimney Rock
John Short Rambler AMC – Ella Blvd
Willingham Rambler AMC – Spencer / Pasadena
Earl McMillian Ford – Downtown Louisiana Street
Don McMillian Ford – Jensen Dr
Raymond Pearson Ford – Leeland / Downtown
Ivy Russell Ford – Heights
Russell & Smith Ford – 610 South Loop
Tommie Vaughn Ford – Heights
Luke Johnson Ford – Southwest Freeway
Bob Currie Ford – Gulfgate, later Charlie Thomas Ford
Jack Roach Ford – Bissonnet at Buffalo Speedway
Joe Myers Ford – North Freeway
AC Collins Ford – Pasadena
Raymond Pearson Lincoln Mercury – Downtown
Jacobe Pearson Lincoln Mercury – Downtown
Southwest Lincoln Mercury – Southwest Freeway
Dave Snelling Lincoln Mercury
River Oaks Chrysler Plymouth
Wise Chrysler Plymouth – Gulf Freeway
Katy Freeway Chrysler Plymouth – I-10 Katy Freeway
Art Grindle Dodge – Westheimer at Chimney Rock
Southwest Dodge – Southwest Freeway
Gulfgate Dodge – I-45 South
Northline Dodge – I-45 North
Albert Berry VW – Old Katy Rd
McMahon(sp?) VW – Downtown
Southwest VW – Hillcroft
Memorial Motors (Nils Sefeldt Volvo) – Old Katy Rd
Can’t remember the names of these dealerships, but clearly remember the dealership and location?
Jaguar Dealer – Kirby near Alabama
Lincoln Dealership – Kirby near Alabama (River Oaks Lincoln Mercury?)
Mercedes Dealership – SW Freeway near Westpark (Continental Motors?) I think they sold Porshe as well
Alfa Romeo Dealership – Chimney Rock near Gulfton
Ferrari Dealership – SW Freeway near Hillcroft (Southwest Ferrari?)
December 21, 2011 at 6:02 pm |
Thanks for that monumental list, John C. It’s quite impressive. Please add a couple of places where my dad worked as parts department manager: (1) Jess Allen Chrysler Plymouth on Harrisburg (in the 1940s), and (2) Bill Lee Motors (Studebaker) 0n Lawndale in the 1950s.
July 1, 2012 at 3:42 pm |
Dave Snelling Lincoln Mercury on Kirby Drive, Dominion Jaguar/Volvo on Kirby Drive also, was in the old Highams Cadillac store in the 1980’s (I bought a car there) after they moved out to Post Oak at 610, Highams later became McGinnis and moved to the Katy Freeway.. Also Auto Sports Limited sold Posche and Volvo, as I recall, as well as a lot of lower volume exotics. Don’t remember when Star Motor Cars took over some of the exotics. I remember the MB dealership over by the old Common Market on Westpark and I think your memory of the name is correct. Also, do you remember Meador Packard, (I believe on Travis) and OK Bud Moore Chevy on Loop 610 at I-59N?
Before Al Parker Buick/Opel was at 12111 Katy at Kirkwood it was on the “The Buick BlocK” at 2215 Milam at Webster. There is a motor bank on that site now. Before that, it was Earl North Buick and Al Parker was Earl North’s nephew, I believe. You will never meet finer people than the Parker family,
My 83 year old aunt was Al Parker’s (Buick) and later son Clay Parker’s secretary for over 50 years, so I grew up around the car biz. She and I live out in Southern California now, but I still love and fondly remember those days when they would soap the windows and put sheets on the new models at model introduction. Used to love getting the plastic promotional replicas of the new models, too.
July 1, 2012 at 5:43 pm |
Also Wendell Hawkins Packard/Rolls Royce, purchased from Meador Packard. Google some great photos under Aek-La-Tex Packards.
March 14, 2014 at 5:34 am |
Awesome memory John c. I worked for gmac in the 50’s, was fleet mgr at bill mcdavids for 18 years. Bill mcdavid was Dan boons uncle the dlrship was never in his name . i knew all those gm dealers in those days.gentlemen all. Al Parker was a country club place to work. People never left. I am amazed you did this from memory.
March 15, 2014 at 4:05 am
Thank you….just a love for all things cars from that time period. Funny that I can remember driving by those dealerships from 40 plus years ago and looking at the cars parked on the car lots, but can’t remember what I had for lunch yesterday. LOL!
Wish I had taken pictures from back then, got a few Bill McDavid pics in this photostream of Houston dealers, just click on the below link.
http://s1187.photobucket.com/user/automotivehistorian/slideshow/Houston%20Car%20Dealers/?albumview=slideshow
January 17, 2015 at 10:09 pm |
Bob Currie ford. Was Jim sanders for Currie was sanders office manager when sanders was killed in boating accident. It became curries for a short time. The charlie Thomas took over.It wasa money maker when it was sanders. Larry Roberts
July 20, 2016 at 9:36 pm |
Hi John,
Great auto dealer list. In 1956 I went to work as a parts delivery driver at a new dealership that opened at West 11th street and the Hempstead Hwy. It was STAR CHEVROLET, later became Courtesy Chevrolet just before the move to 7777 Katy Freeway.
March 19, 2017 at 12:40 pm
Does anyone know anything about Richardson Chevrolet in Houston in the 1967 time frame? I am looking for literature, newspaper adds and would love to find a dealership trunk emblem from mid to late 60’s from there
February 29, 2020 at 3:33 pm |
Joe Myers Ford actually started at 4410 Westheimer, but later moved to Jersey Village at 16634 NW Freeway (hwy 290). Next at 4410 Westheimer was Galleria Ford. Next at 4410 Westheimer was Central Ford owned by Joe Catania. He later moved the dealership to Pearland and renamed it Big Star Ford.
Also in Rosenberg there was Dub Miller Ford. That later became the current Legacy Ford in Rosenberg.
Also in NW Houston there was Leeland Lincoln Mercury which gave way to Texan Lincoln Mercury on hwy 290. Texan was bought by Autonation and briefly became Autonation Lincoln Mercury. That was closed and the Lincoln/Mercury franchise was purchased by Joe Myers Ford. Mercury of course went away. In 2019 Joe Myers dropped the Lincoln franchise completely and became Ford only again.
March 31, 2021 at 10:50 pm |
1. Bud Moore Chevrolet (East-Tex Freeway at North Loop)
2. Norman Friede ? Volkswagon Dealership (Downtown Houston near Chinatown)
3. Bill McDavid Oldsmobile (I-45 in Gulfgate area)
December 21, 2011 at 3:29 pm |
John C, you really have a good memory! You’ve touched on most of the dealerships that I can remember in Houston. THanks for sharing this information.
December 21, 2011 at 6:32 pm |
I don’t see Mort Hall Ford anywhere, bought two vehicles from him and actually worked there at one time later. There was also a Datsun Dealer located in that vicinity in 1970, I specifically remember looking at a new 240z until I decided on a new 71 Mach 1 which I bought at Mort Hall. Man so much can disappear in a short 41 years.
I had written a reply to the long list above but somehow managed to lose it before posting. In the 70’s I worked for a number of dealerships including the Joe Conte old Mike Persia dealership downtown, so I can’t re do the long post I lost but I will ask if anyone knows what is sitting on that block now. I can tell you it was cold as the dickens when the wind was blowing, the building was one of those old 20’s style ones that had the huge wooden sliding doors, and they opened to the street. That winter in 72 we had two snows and I remember working there and leaving early because the weather was getting worse and then placing some old engine blocks into the back of my truck to give me a little traction. To me it’s like living in a foreign city when I come back home because of so many things torn down and the culture also has been completely changed. Now I just look at photos on the internet to remember things. 🙂
January 9, 2012 at 5:42 am |
Here are some photos of old Houston dealerships I put together. Click on below link.
http://s1187.photobucket.com/albums/z397/automotivehistorian/Houston%20Car%20Dealers/?albumview=slideshow
January 9, 2012 at 6:08 am
Thanks John, great photo set there, I bookmarked it so I can always go back and dream a little, there’s more than just a couple on this photo spread that I actually worked at, also there were close friends who worked for other dealers you have listed.
Many Thanks again
July 1, 2012 at 3:44 pm |
Was it Yokem Datsun?
January 18, 2013 at 6:23 pm |
I dated a girl who’s father was a saleman for Mike Persia Chevorlet Downtown ,I believe his last name was Eskew or Askew , do yo remember him ???
January 18, 2013 at 6:39 pm
Sorry the name don’t ring a bell, usually we had little association with sales people, the shop was away from the front and on the street side, we just didn’t see too many people. I can’t remember for certain the date but I left there and went to McMahon on 45 which made me much closer to home, at the time I lived there at the end of Gears road and Stubner Airline, for some strange reason years later someone decided to rename the damned street to Greens road, obviously some political payback. There was nothing out there in 72, still had cattle fenced and very few houses except for old ranch homes that were there for 70 years or more. Now the exact same spot where I lived there is a small strip mall that has been there for almost 30 years. I was working with a friend later and he was a framer, we built some of the first homes on Gears (Greens Rd) just down the road from where I had lived, now those homes look old and run down , that really gives me a great perspective of just how long ago it was. ;0(
June 4, 2017 at 3:47 am
My dad worked for mike Persia in 1968. I heard him mention this man’s name. It was Bill Eskew he was the sales manager. My dad said he was a large man and told Joe Conte he would not drive a Chevrolet
October 16, 2014 at 12:54 pm |
Yokum Datsun & Don McMillan Ford were located at the far north end of Jensen Drive. My father had an upholstery shop called Hicks Brothers in the 10,000 block of Jensen. He did a lot of work for both dealers and other used car dealers on that side of town. One of the dealerships was Monkers Motors on Jensen, owned by a Jack Monkers and his brother.
October 16, 2014 at 12:59 pm
I might be confused, but I think that the Ford dealership was early on Don McMillan and later changed to Mort Hall Ford. It was Mort Hall in the 70’s.
May 9, 2015 at 11:09 am
I remember Hicks business. My dad owned a Used car lot on Jensen and this shop do repairs sometimes. Jack Monkres and Don Monkres(his son) were business as well as personal friends of our family. My dad was John LeClere and J&E AUTO SALES, after my mother died in 1974′ he later sold and went to work for the new Mort Hall Ford on Little York and 59/ then Eastex Chrysler plymouth behind MortHall ford on 59 owned by Mike Hall. in the late 70’s. I was a parts runner in High school for the business in the summer
January 9, 2012 at 10:10 pm |
Sam White Oldsmobile was the place to buy a car in the 80’s. I think they were the number 1 Oldsmobile dealer in the nation.
January 27, 2012 at 4:58 pm |
My dad retired from Al Parker Buick (formerly Earl North) in Houston. I grew up playing in the cars on the showroom floor & visiting with some awesome people from Mrs. Dietz the PBX operator and Mr. Parkers’ secretary, to the mechanics in the shop. Does anyone keep in contact with anyone? Are there ever any reunions? At one time, it was one big family! I miss reading the “Parker Pen”. Paula Scheef-McNutt
July 1, 2012 at 3:56 pm |
What a small world… My aunt, Mary Krieger was both Mr. Parker’s secretary, (Al and son Clay) for over 50 years, and I remember Mrs. Dietz as well. Mrs. Dietz got my father a job at the railroad through a contact many years ago. The dealership was sold to Bud Adams and my aunt retired around 1997???. My aunt is 83 years old and lives in So Cal with me now, and I remember she would write the Parker Pen with such care, I even used to have to help her mimeograph extra copies. Sadly, so many people are gone, but I remember a lot of the names myself, since I worked there in the new car make-ready for 3 months in the summer of 1970. I’m no spring chicken myself at age 60. Who was your father, because there is a good chance I knew him, or knew of him??…
January 27, 2012 at 5:37 pm |
I guess Paula is mentioning the last store on Katy Freeway. I remember watching the I-10 Dealership going up and even stopping by in early 74. It was after 5pm so I saw none of the guys I had worked with downtown. It was several years later I was inside an auto parts store on Jensen Drive and Schmidty, one of the oldest mechanics that worked for Al Parker had finally retired walked in,, he was still well and fit for his age. When I started to work there after leaving the Army in Aug 70 he had already been there 35 years, every mechanic in the shop had been there for at least 20. They were eager to take new younger men and train them for the coming turn over of retirements. He was the last person I knew from that location that I saw or spoke to with the exception of Florian Meleski the Service Manager at the time, I ran into him at a little small ice house on the north side of Houston, and then years later he was the Service Manager at River Oaks Chrysler Plymouth and I worked there for a while. So I would think most of these older people are gone now, I was around 22 and now 63 so we sometimes forget how fast the earth is spinning.
I said before it was one of the nicest places to work at and the people at every level were just wonderful, and I will always remember them. I miss that little snack area with the little booths that all of us would sit and have our coffee at different times of the day , just great companionship and stories would be passed.
Old Schmidty once told us about a time when he was driving an old model A to Rosenberg to attend a Saturday night dance. The old car started to loose a rod and started knocking very bad so he had no choice but to pull over. He said he only had a pair of large pliers with him and he removed the oil pan being careful to not spill any oil, he then took off his leather belt and cut a piece to wrap the crankshaft, then put the pan back on and drove to the dance. Now I ask you, where are you going to sit in Houston today and listen to a story like that which happened so many years ago!
March 7, 2012 at 9:06 pm |
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May 23, 2012 at 2:24 am |
Hello all. I love these posts. These dealerships bring back such wonderful memories of my childhood. I am a native Houstonian. My dad worked in the Parts Dept. at Mike Persia, Jimmy Green, Chuck Davis, Bud Moore (later Four Way Chevrolet), and Landmark. My dad-Paul Stonecipher-passed away in 1989 at the young age of 58. My mom passed last June. I am in a nostaglic mood and am googling old places I remember, hoping to find addresses. Thank you for these lovely memories everyone. –Becky
January 9, 2014 at 1:33 am |
Becky,
I knew your dad Paul as I started at Highams Cadillac early 64, Frizzell Pontiac, Goodson Pontiac Downtown and I45 North and while downtown your dad was at Persia, Leo Jarnagin Pontiac downtown in the old Smith Chevrolet Bldg where I became Parts Mgr in 73 and Leo moved to I10 West in 74 and in 86 started selling A.C. Delco to dealers. My dad, Sonny McDaniel was a tech at Frizzell and retired at McDavid Olds in the Gulfgate area. Had a step Mom that was title clerk at Boyd Mullen, McDavid Olds and retired from McDavid Honda. A sister that was at McDavid Honda and Comptroller at Gay Pontiac. My Dad passed August 24th 2013.
November 5, 2014 at 1:51 am
Hello Duke. Sorry just came back to this thread. All 3 of my brothers work at a West Point Lincoln Mercury in The Parts Dept. Thank you for sharing your memories. All of those dealerships are familiar to me. I am sorry to hear about your dad. If you are ever out by West Point, please stop in to see the boys. They would enjoy that!
January 25, 2018 at 9:23 pm
Duke, my 1967 Firebird was sold new at Goodson. Any chance you remember selling a silver ’67 Firebird 400, automatic, air, console, black interior? If you know where I could find any existing sales records, I have the VIN.
May 23, 2012 at 3:15 am |
I was a mechanic, in 72 I worked downtown at Mike Persia, also worked for Chuck Davis and Landmark. Most of us moved a lot from Dealer to Dealer, it wasn’t that way in the 60’s and 50’s and beyond those years. All the mechanics at Al Parker Buick in 1970 had been there for 20 and even 35 years. Just about all of them are gone now except us younger ones, and at 64 I’m not exactly young. Lucky for me my memory is still pretty good and I remember so many people from those years. I said it before on this blog, and I say it again, Al Parler Buick was the best place a man could work, it was a joy to get out of the Army and someone just ask you if you wanted a job, that’s what happened to me when I went to Al Parkers to buy a new car.
February 14, 2014 at 2:04 am |
You mentioned Al Parker Downtown and my uncle owned Houston Auto Glass @ 2310 Louisiana and my Dad worked there in the 50’s and some of the 60’s. Two of his good friends, George Pearson was a tech with Parker for perhaps 40 years and Dad had another friend with a used car lot all within blocks named Jimmy Hicks. Dad raced Stock Cars and Midgets at Playland Park and Arrorhead for many years. Small World!!
February 14, 2014 at 4:03 am
Duke, I’m nearing 66 now and got my first job after Vietnam service there at Al Parker Buick. There was Virgil Duke who I was under as a trainee, then the oldest there at that time in aug 70 was Smitty, he was 65 then and could work circles around any young guy. Then there was a deaf fella named Johnny, he had to get someone to listen to noises for him because he was completely deaf. He was so deaf he drove a skylark up on his four post lift and the car was there for a sticking accelerator, poor old Johnny drove right off the end of his rack and into the plywood wall dividing the shop from the service drive, ripped all the air tubing out of the ceiling, everyone was running for their lives with the tremendous noise coming from the air line ripped out, poor old Johnny was just sitting there in the middle of the service drive wondering what had happened. Herb was the brake man then, and another older mechanic named Abe Shehan, and I do remember that fella you mentioned that worked there for 40 years, I think he also went out to the new store on I-10. I stopped by that store in 05 looking for a job but it changed so much none of the older people were around any longer, I saw Smitty one time in the mid 70’s after he retired and that was at a big parts house over on Jensen drive. I think one of the young guys there was named Jeff, he had a couple real nice skylarks. One of the guys there at the same time was named Chuck but I can’t remember his name, last time I saw Chuck was in 73. The service manager was Florian Meleski and the shop foreman was named Frank Bitski. It was a super place to work ;0)
July 18, 2012 at 4:04 am |
Started my “car business” days at Sam Montgomery Olds on I-45 North….Thanks to all the above posts as it brought back so many memories. I ended my days in the car business as F&I Director at Leland Lincoln Mercury/Hyundai about 1994…
October 28, 2012 at 10:52 am |
Hi there, after reading this awesome post i am as well delighted to share my
experience here with mates.
November 23, 2012 at 7:26 am |
My dad bought a brand new 2 door, green 1955 studebaker Champion from Bill Lee Motors at the end of the 1955 model year to get a slightly lower price. He got the cheapest one he could get. It had no radio, no blinkers, and no heater. I drove it as a teen in the 60s and sold it to a friend who took it hunting in the woods.. well he ran into a stake that skewered the radiator so he just left it out in the woods.
November 23, 2012 at 1:00 pm |
Jesse –
Thanks for writing about your dad’s car purchase from Bill Lee Motors, the Studebaker dealer on Lawndale, a couple of long blocks east of 75th. My dad was the parts department manager at Bill Lee from 1949 to 1958 – and I even got my own first paying job there at age 14, helping with the annual parts inventory. – My dad was the same kind of buyers as yours. He bought a beautiful new 1950 Studebaker Commander one time. When I asked him why he left out the radio, his answer was, “What do you need a radio for? We’ve got a radio at home!”
January 14, 2013 at 7:03 pm |
I dated a girl back in the late 60’s, Linda Esqew , her father
was the sales manager at Mike Persia Chevrolet , I’m trying to locate her any info. on her father would be nice.
January 14, 2013 at 8:16 pm |
Wow, what a stroll down memory lane. I grew up in Galveston so..
Kyle Gillespe Lincoln Mercury
Flowers Pontiac Caddilac Volvo
Causeway Ford
Higgins Lincoln Mercury in Texas City
Gallaria Area Ford (bought a 91 Escort there)
January 29, 2013 at 11:41 pm |
I have had a collection of Vintage Dealer (Trunk) Emblems, selling some on eBay, but retaining pictures of them.
Had a Bob Marco Buick Opel emblem (went to Sweden)
Demontrond Buick emblem went to California collector
STILL have a “Lester Goodson Houston” emblem 1960’s has ‘pins’ on back to hold on deck lid of car.http://www.flickr.com/photos/akamickeynelson/8427507197/in/set-72157631551672532
February 26, 2013 at 6:59 pm |
I’ve got a car that came from Boyd Mullen Chevrolet, Pasadena TX, would anyone happen to have picture of that dealership? Actually, I’d really like a trunk emblem or license frame.
Thank you, Jeff, tel 401-499-0702
February 26, 2013 at 7:47 pm |
Not a lot out there Jeff, I found this on the net as a thumbnail so I enlarged and ran a couple filters, this is the best I could do with it. Also found one of the old downtown Mike Persia shop I worked at early 70’s. I had completely forgot what it looked like, I do know Texas Eastern had purchased all that property in that area in the mid 70’s, for all these new glass buildings sitting there.
February 26, 2013 at 9:29 pm |
I don’t recall that dealership, was it there in the 60’s? Great picture that was just posted!
February 26, 2013 at 10:16 pm |
I don’t remember if it was still Mullen Chevrolet in late 73, but I certainly remember the property. I made many trips to Pasadena since I knew a girl living there. I might be wrong but I was thinking it could be seen from the freeway, right side leaving Pasadena heading to Houston. It was around 74 when the single owner dealerships of Houston started this great corporate merger and they slowly one by one disappeared. New out of state owners flocked to the Houston area and started buying up all the dealers. I sometimes forget even 25 or 30 years ago those old single owners were already very old and even their children that took control were getting up in years. In a way it was a natural migration to a different era.
March 29, 2013 at 5:33 pm |
I started working for Frank Gillman Pontiac in April of 1970. I worked there until April of 1980. It , by far was the best ten years of my life. The Gillmans, Frank, Barton, and Ramsay, were great people to work for, and I enjoyed every day I went to work there. Is that a good working enviroment or what ??? I started in the new car make ready, making cars ready for delivery, adding options and state inspections. I stayed in that department for 2 years, Virgel Talley was the sales manager then. I next worked used car service for Bob McCoy, stayed there for another two years. Then I ran the make ready department for about a year, I worked as a service advisor, trim technition, line mechanic, even did a little paint work. In 1980, I left, to be a service manager at another Pontiac dealer, biggest mistake I ever made,,, should have stayed with the Gillmans !!! The service managers I worked under during my stay were , Bob Dorton, Skip Williams, Forrest Vollentine, and Johnny Chadwick was the dispatcher the whole time,, great place, great people !!!
March 29, 2013 at 11:36 pm |
John, my grand-uncle Alfonse (Alphonsus) Ortega worked at Gillman Pontiac also, but before you joiined. Do you know of anybody who may remember him? Bernd from Calgary, Canada.
April 2, 2013 at 7:40 pm
Bernd, Iam sorry I did not know your grand uncle, I wish I had. Longtime employees like Jeff Foshea, Butterball, Whose real name was Corbin Wynn, Buddy Remling, and Willie willianson all probably knew him, I don’t know their whereabouts now. If I hear anything , I will let you know ……………..John Landeche
April 2, 2013 at 8:52 pm
Thanks for your courtesy, John. Your group sure has set up a great network to ensure that nobody is forgotten. Keep up the good work. Bernd
April 7, 2013 at 4:06 am
Bernd, I remember one fellow mechanic who would probably remember him, his name is Victor Zacharias, Vick was a front end technition for years before I got there. I noticed his wife is on facebook, and I will be trying to reach him, for his input,I will keep you informed !!!
April 7, 2013 at 5:13 am
Thanks again, John. Bernd
April 1, 2013 at 5:46 pm |
Hey John:
I worked in the Gillman Pontiac / Honda parts dept. back in the late 70’s through early 80’s. Your name rings a bell but I can’t recall your face . . . I too enjoyed my time at Gillman. In fact, I’ve recently been conversing with Bob Dorton’s son, Paul. As you may recall Paul worked at Gillman Pontiac back in that time period as well. He is currently with Reynolds and Reynolds – the dealership software folks.
Let’s see if I can bring up some other names you’ll remember: John Hill (parts – shop counter), Jerry Fitzgerald (A/C tech), Craig Mueller (worked with Jerry F. and then parts dept.). Craig and myself own Bellaire Auto Center, right next to what used to be Charlie’s HI-LO Auto Parts on Spruce St. in Bellaire. To continue with the Gillman Pontiac name-dropping: Dan Harris (new car sales), Johnny Rajini (body shop mechanic), Steve Stevens (parts mgr), Tommy Moore (asst parts mgr, then Honda parts mgr), Tony John (unsure of Tony’s position @ Gillman – Honda tech I believe, he now owns The Hondacar Shop here in Houston).
That’s all that comes to mind at the moment. Please fell free to get in touch if you’re so inclined – bell-auto@comcast.net is the best way.
April 2, 2013 at 4:52 pm |
John C, how can I upload a photo of Flowers Pontiac/Cadillac ( and later Volvo ) in Galveston (on Broadway just as you got into town ) ? Thx.
April 2, 2013 at 5:19 pm |
dfgh4567, you can use an image free hosting site to up your images and put the link they assign here, then people just tick the link and can see your image. I see no media helpers here on the blog so that is about all you could do to add an image. I use this host
http://tinypic.com
and you would use the image layout tag they assign after you upload, take that tag and copy and paste it to your address search bar above and you will be able to see the image and tick it for full page. Then just paste it here in your messages. Hope this helps Here is an example
April 2, 2013 at 7:27 pm |
Lloyd Coulson, All the names you mentioned were friends of mine. I am going to throw a few more names you way to see if they ring a bell. The service department ; Bruce Eshelman, Bobby Ray Talbot, Herbert G. Farnsworth, Victor Zacharias, Bobby Groce, James Knight, Ted Wisnoski, Jeff Foshea, Danny Foshea , Willie Williamson, Billy Prescott, Emede Moralas, George Spencer, Jack McNair, Herbert Gerkin, Craig Ybarguen, Sonny Spencer, Jack Hamilton, Johnny Chadwick, Skipper Williams, Bob Dorton, Forrest Vollentine, Al Hill, Eddie Lewis ,Richard Hermann, ,, The Paint and Body shop,, Clyde Hayes sr., Clyde Hayes jr. Johnny Reihani, Dallas LeBlanc, Murphy Baroque, Willie Paul Locke, Louis Jackson, Murry Velvin, Felix Aguirre sr. Felix Aguirre jr. Bob Pratt. Also remember we had an organization called, The Frank Gillman Employee Association,, in which I was the president of, for the last three years I was there. I organized our Yearly Christmas Ball at Kaphans Resturant. Like I say those were great years with great people, All these folks are not all of them, I hope some will see this and we can get some more reaction to The Frank Gillman Pontiac former Employee association,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,John Landeche
April 5, 2013 at 2:53 pm |
Hey John . . . good to hear from you. Oh, and Paul Dorton sez “hey” as well.
Let’s see who I can remember – it’s been a while! Names (and some faces) that I recall are: Bruce Eshelman, Victor Zacharias, Ted Wisnoski, Emede Morales, Jack McNair, Sonny Spencer, Johnny Chadwick, Bob Dorton, Forrest Vollentine.
The only Paint and Body name that rings a bell is Johnny Reihani.
Didn’t know that there was a Gillman Employee Association, would have been fun to attend those gatherings!
Kaphan’s – ah, now THERE’S a restaurant! YUM!
Like you stated, it’d be great to hear from others. Come on, guys!
Best regards, Lloyd Coulson
April 7, 2013 at 4:28 am
Here is a few more names from the archives, Glenn Riefschneider, David Reifschneider, Doug King, from the parts department. Ralph Allen, Diane Brown, Pricilla McCord Dorton David Dorton, Ilene Hartis, Ray Alvez, Gary Jerome, James Joiner, Pamela Duncan, all from service… The general office personal were as follows, H.B. Nixon, Ivan Schroeder, Emil Duesek, Charles Ortego, Janette Ortego, Joann Brito, Christine Miller, Eugene Bean, Hestel Walker, Linda Woodside, Judith Ann Shaner, Darrell Hobby, Kathy Schultz. Sale dept. Bob Hall, Larry Smith, Charles Phillips, Ernest McIntire, Curtis Franklin, Jessie Howard, Katharine Warren, Gene Green, Gary Dudley, That’s all I can think of so far, feel free to add to them …
April 8, 2013 at 8:06 pm |
Hello to All,
I am young, but I heard people talking about some of these long gone dealers. This is great Automotive history.
About a decade or more there was a Dodge or Chrysler store on 225 Deer Park / Pasadena, Texas does anyone remember the name? I remember seeing when I was young ? Thank you in Advance
April 9, 2013 at 6:03 am |
Texasborn03,
I might be wrong, I think it was Norm Livermore Chrysler plymouth and Dodge. The first dealer I worked was Jack Roach Ford, The second was Southwest Dodge, while I was employed there it became Southwest Lincoln Mercury, thats when I quit there and went to Frank Gillman Pontiac, and stayed for ten years !!! John Landeche
April 19, 2013 at 6:25 pm |
Hi there every one, here every person is sharing these kinds of experience,
therefore it’s pleasant to read this weblog, and I used to pay a quick visit this blog every day.
November 8, 2013 at 5:22 pm |
I grew up in Galena Park, started at AC Collins Ford in 1971 as a tune up mechanic, several of the dealers I worked at over the years were Sharpstown Dodge, Texan Chrysler Plymouth, Timmer’s Chevrolet, Vincent Baytown Dodge, Norman Frede Chevolet, Frizell
Pontiac, Jeep/ Eagle, Greenspoint Dodge all of these were in the Houston area, Bossier C,P,D,J,E was in Bryan Texas and the last dealer I worked at was Town and Country Dodge in Hopkins Mn. I believe most of them are long gone.
November 8, 2013 at 5:52 pm |
@ Gary, Did you know a Marty Smith, he worked at a lot of those dealerships ???
November 9, 2013 at 6:31 pm |
Does anyone have a collection of old (pot metal) dealership emblems? I have been collecting pictures of them for years, and was thrilled to recently add Galleria Area Ford, Plaza Lincoln Mercury, and Southwest Lincoln Mercury.
>
November 12, 2013 at 12:40 am
I think I still have some Frank Gillman Pontiac emblems,, I’ll check around the garage !!!
November 13, 2013 at 2:12 am
If you could send a picture that would be great. Do you upload here, or I can send an email address. Thx.
January 20, 2014 at 1:19 am |
To some of your and one of my earlier post I was at Goodson, Frizzell and Leo Jarnagin Pontiac from 64-86. Bob Dorton was Ser Mgr at Jarnagin for a while and I was parts Mgr. Forrest, last I saw, was Ser Mgr at Beck and Masten on 1960. All of the names of parts folks at Gillman I knew back at 1621 Milam when Springer was Parts Mgr and Steve Stephens was Asst. Later Steve was Mgr and Harry Montgomery was his Asst. Same time frame Willie Williams was Parts Mgr and Buddy Muldoon Asst and I worked the front counter at Goodson early 60’s at 1117 Caroline across from now House of Blues. I had seen one of the Reifschneider Brothers at the Nissan Store on 610 South in 2010. I saw Stacey Gillman at Fitzgeralds Club in the early 90’s. You may want to look at my reply on Becky Stonecipher’s post from about 2012. Spending 50+ years in auto parts business I knew almost all GM Parts and Service Employees from 1963-2012. Knew Bobby King from Jimmie Green days and sons as they worked parts also. Jerry Dudley was Parts Mgr at Sam Montgomery after the gentleman before him went to Galveston. Rudy Jaks at Sam White and Casey Blanchard was his Asst and in 1973 became my first Asst after leaving Mossy. At that time Leo was in the old Smith Chevy Bldg. Casey retired from Robbins Chevy. Netty Gaines was only female Parts Mgr I knew at Bland Cadillac and Joe White took her place. Jim Brooks at Knapp and names from Mac Haik, Al Parker, elude me but will end with Ronnie Wills at David Taylor. Lot of water under those bridges.
November 26, 2013 at 9:59 am |
Thanks for your great information, the contents are quiet interesting.I will be waiting for your next post.
auto brokers license
January 28, 2014 at 6:57 am |
My dad, Charlie Caudill, Sr. , worked at Abbott & Stancil Motor Company in the 1950’s, a Chrysler/Plymouth/ Dodge/ Desoto Dealer in downtown Houston. He passed away in 1957, when I was 7 yrs. old. Anyone remember this dealership, and possibly the address?
March 4, 2014 at 3:56 pm |
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and
also with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did
you modify it yourself? Anyway keep up the
nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one these days.
March 14, 2014 at 5:56 am |
Bill mcdavid olds and Sam white were fierce competitors . Two brothers, the feagans were the sales managers , Lou at mcdavid and milt at white. Mcdavid became the largest.
April 1, 2014 at 9:20 pm |
Earl McMillan Ford became Don McMillan Ford when Earl passed they had a large dealership on Jensen Drive…Bud Moore Chevrolet North Loop at East Tex Freeway (Circle) Art Grindle Dodge Jensen Drive at North Loop (His dog Storm) Tommie Vaugh Ford still on North Shepherd
April 13, 2014 at 4:20 pm |
HOW ABOUT BUDD MOORE CHEVROLET….59 AND KELLY. HE WAS INVOLVED WITH NASCAR IN LATER YEARS
April 20, 2014 at 4:47 pm |
Hi Everyone! My dad, John Berger worked at Al Parker Buick for many,many, years and we are kin to Florian Meleski (who was just Uncle Florian to me) I grew up with the stories of Al Parker and all the people who worked there! Dad even tried to keep working there even when Al Parker moved on the Katy Freeway, but he was already in his 70’s and just couldn’t make the trip anymore. It broke his heart! He drove his 1950 Ford to work all those years! Dad used to bring Ole’ Blue (the nicest black man that I ever met; us kids called him Uncle Blue) home from work with him and dad would bar-b-que and Ole’ Blue would have dinner with us! I still think of Uncle Blue to this day and tell my son about him and the rest of the Al Parker gang. I remember Ms. Krieger and some of the other names listed here! We used to go up on Sundays when Al Parker was closed and play with the guard dogs through the fence; they knew my dad…we have pictures of us in front of the gate with the dogs behind us! I was shocked to find this post and reading through all of these has really brought back a lot of memories. We have many pictures of Uncle Florian at our house and I remember going to Uncle Florians house, especially during Christmas. Also, I took my mom to visit Uncle Florian when he worked at River Oaks Chrysler Plymouth. Anyway…I could go on and on…wish I had kept all the Al Parker memorabilia!
Also we lived next door to John (Juan) Luna and he worked for Frank Gillman as many years as my dad worked for Al Parker! They could really share the car dealer stories! Both my family and the Luna’s next door had 2 sets of children. My brother and 2 sisters are 20 years older than me as was John Luna’s kids, so the older kids have more memories. I was in my teens when dad had to give up trying to drive out to Al Parker when they moved on the Katy Freeway. I still run into Johnny Luna’s kids every now and then…
Hope this helped some of you out there…fantastic post…glad to see that you are keeping these memories alive!!! Keep it going! If anyone wants to talk just let me know!
April 20, 2014 at 5:55 pm |
Shirley thanks for the wonderful input. Florian was a really good service manager and I will always remember his and Frank Bitski’s kindness to me and probably any other veteran that wanted to work. I went to Al Parker in Aug 70 to buy a car and was hired to work there and sent to the GM training facility, it started me out in a career and was the foundation that has let me work for over 43 years without ever being unable to find a job. It was a wonderful time to be young then. I also worked for Florian much later when he was the service manager at River Oaks. If you might have any photos of the old A; Parker dealership I would really love to have a copy, there are none to be found on the internet and I only found the property on Google Earth which shows the streets even being removed that once separated the main dealer from the parking area across the street. Thanks
April 21, 2014 at 11:05 pm |
Shirley, I remember Juan Luna at Gillman Pontiac, he worked as a paint and body man the whole time I was there, He never failed to get on my famous football pots, we had a lot of fun doing that, and the Gillmans did not seem to mind, Gillman Pontiac was a great place to work !!!!
April 29, 2014 at 11:36 pm |
does anyone remember Ivy-Russell Mercury. on miliam street. In 1958 I was stationed in the U S army at Ft.Polk, La. On July 5, l958 I went to Houston and bought a 1955 black 2 door Mercury Custom from Ivy Russell Motor co. l still have the paper work with the dealer ship picture on it. I also still have the 1955 Mercury and take it to car shows. I now live about 12 hours from Houston.
April 30, 2014 at 1:59 am |
Jimmie, I’ve been away from Houston for a lot of years now and was shocked the last time home to see the old Al Parker place on Milam gone. Just amazing how much change takes place before we even have a chance to die. I worked there in 70 and 71, but I remember when the new store was built on I-10 and how nice it looked, so once again I was shocked to see it sold, but then I started thinking about how old all of us were, Mr Parker’s son was quite old at that time and I guess we just refuse to believe that all of us got old ;0) I stopped and talked to the service manager in 05 for the new Buick dealer, but it wasn’t the same atmosphere, it will never ever be 1970 again.
May 31, 2014 at 6:56 am |
My grandfather, Marcus Jones, passed away yesterday- May 30, 2014 at the age of 92. I googled his name and found this post. He did have a Buick dealership at Hillcroft and Bellaire. Glad to know people remember! I used to be so proud to tell people he was my grandpa! Still am, actually!
May 31, 2014 at 3:44 pm |
Sorry to hear the news about Mr Jones, I had one friend from the early 70’s that did work at the dealership you mentioned, His name was Bob Hooper. The last time I saw Bob was in the late 70s and he was racing an old Buick sedan out at Myers Speedway. I know that Bob worked there for years and he originally started out at Al Parker’s. I have no idea where all these people are any more since I no longer live in Houston and haven’t for decades. To see so many landmarks and pioneers gone some would say it is simply progress, I just find it hard to see it that way. Rest in Peace Mr Jones
September 23, 2020 at 3:45 pm
Hi Matarene, Robert “Bob ” Hooper says hello!
September 22, 2014 at 2:43 am |
I knew your Grandfather and really am in debt to him, he gave me my start when i moved to Texas. God bless him and all of y’all.
May 31, 2014 at 4:53 pm |
I used to pass by Marcus Jones Buick everyday on my way to Frank Gillman Pontiac, which was just down Bellaire Blvd. across from Sharpstown Center !!! I lived In Bellaire at that time !!!
June 24, 2015 at 10:14 pm |
Hi John…My grandfather Griff D Vance was one of the first New Car dealers in Houston. He opened his Nash dealership in 1925. Was originally Vance-Moody motors and morphed into Vance and Sons Nash when my Father and Uncle joined the business in the ’40’s. We sold the dealership in Bellaire in 1986
March 8, 2017 at 6:01 pm
Went to high school with Terry Vance at Bellaire high school
June 24, 2014 at 10:05 pm |
My Dad, Ira Bertrand (Big Hearted Bert) worked for several dealers. The two I can remember best were Frank Gillman and Al Parker. On the side he ran a used car lot called Big Hearted Berts, first on Travis & Gray, then South Main across the street from Princes. I hung around them a lot and at Gillman I remember Bill Toro, Fast Eddie, The Beatle, Freddie Haas, Barton, Ramsey, Frank Gillman. Also at Al Parker there was Remmel Moore, Don Puckett, Sandy McKinnon. Way back in the 50’s he worked for Lane Oldsmobile who was a big advertiser and even had an all night telethon on local TV. Big Heart was the MC and they had the comedian Jerry Colona come in to town. Here is a photo of my dad and Colona during the show. http://www.pbase.com/speedyg/image/11881892
June 24, 2014 at 11:16 pm |
Troy, I recognize a few of those names from Al Parker and of course that’s because all those men were there for so many years, myself I was only 22 and fresh out of the Army then when I started working there at Al Parker in Aug 1970. You wouldn’t happen to have a photo of the old Al Parker dealership, I’ve looked everywhere and haven’t found anything. The site looks so foreign now you would never know a Buick Dealership once sat there.
June 26, 2014 at 1:50 pm |
materene, I looked and couldn’t find any photos of Al Parker dealership. I redid the photo above (take another look) and here is one of Harlan Lane and my Dad picking up Colonna at Hobby airport. http://www.pbase.com/speedyg/image/11987883
Oh, and I was mistaken about Puckett and McKinnon, they were at Mossey Olds. Remmel Moore and Charlie Barzilla were at Al Parker.
I will keep looking for something from AP.
June 26, 2014 at 9:49 pm |
Thank you for taking the time to look Troy, that photo reminds me of Playland Park days, especially when you mentioned the used car place on south main and also Prince’s. I remember seeing the comedian on TV in the fifties. Houston has changed so much in the past 30 years I scarcely remember any landmarks. Take care
August 30, 2014 at 3:56 am |
There was a real small Chevrolet dealer on the west side of North Shepherd near Pinemont in the 60’s early 70’s named Mac Robert Chevrolet. Also a small Ford dealer in the 50’s on east side of US-59 just north of Little York, named Thad Felton Ford. That was when the Eastex freeway ended at Parker road.
August 30, 2014 at 8:17 pm |
“OH Yeah”, I forgot, have not seen anyone list Jim Sanders Ford corner of Gulf Fwy. @ Wayside, straight across from Bob Robertson Chevrolet.
September 5, 2014 at 2:44 am |
[…] Old Houston Car Dealers | The Pecan Park Eagle – Nov 11, 2010 · Most to all of the Houston car dealers that I shall mention here are long gone. I’m presuming they all are, but with the caveat that one or two may still …… […]
September 18, 2014 at 3:58 pm |
I was wondering what ever happened to the rocket at rocket city olds , I remember it like it was yesterday and always wondered what happens to it . as a little kid it was larger than life to and I’ve never forget that rocket
October 15, 2014 at 7:10 pm |
Speaking of Rockets, was that Sam Montgomery Olds on I-45 South just inside the Loop? It’s now a Home Depot I believe. I think I drove a Suzuki Sidekick there in 1988, and next door was Enos Cabell Chevrolet around that same time. I do remember the Rocket on the Olds sign there though..
September 22, 2014 at 2:38 am |
I started working in Houston in the late 70’s. Walked in to Marcus-Jones Buick and went to work the day i moved there, really miss those days. Worked at Jarnagin Pontiac-GMC off 10 after that.
November 30, 2014 at 2:26 pm |
Don, what is your last name as I was parts mgr at Jarnagin from 1973-1986.
October 4, 2014 at 2:53 pm |
[…] Old Houston Car Dealers | The Pecan Park Eagle – Nov 11, 2010 · Most to all of the Houston car dealers that I shall mention here are long gone. I’m presuming they all are, but with the caveat that one or two may still …… […]
December 8, 2014 at 9:17 pm |
SOME FORMER DEALERSHIPS IN PASADENA……TIMMER’S CHEVROLET (RICHEY @ 225), JACK SOLLOCK CHRYSLER PLYMOUTH, AND OSBORNE-APPLE FORD AND PASADENA DODGE, BOTH OWNED BY JOHN S. (BUD) OSBORNE. HE OPENED OSBORNE-APPLE FORD IN 1961 AND LATER PASADENA DODGE. I WAS GOOD FRIENDS WITH ONE OF HIS SONS, BILL OSBORNE, WHO AT ONE TIME RAN HIS STEP FATHER’S AUTO PAINT AND BODY SHOP “DELAHOUSSAYE’S”. I WORKED THERE FROM 1985 TO 1987.
December 11, 2014 at 9:31 am |
[…] Old houston car dealers | the pecan park eagle […]
January 9, 2015 at 8:42 pm |
The Late Claude Yokem in 1981 or 1982 first load of cars at new store at 59 and northbelt.
January 17, 2015 at 11:01 pm |
Bud Osborne sold out the ford store bought Pasadena dodge from little jack spence .he latter sold ac Collins the dodge store property and ac moved the ford store there.
January 17, 2015 at 11:08 pm |
I worked for little jack Spence when he had Pasadena dodge
I was there when the factory reorked for him aps came in and er turned our demo keys in.I also stayed whent the ford s bud
Took over I had y aworkedfor him at the ford storeh asked me to setand I did. larryRoberts
May 9, 2015 at 11:17 am |
I remember when my dad had his car lot on Jensen and going with dad to Bud Moore on Kelly and 59, Mort Hall Ford-wholesale vehicles to buy. Also H&H auction and the food was soo good . Back then I grew up around cars and at a very young age could tell the year and make of almost any vehicle-now they all look so similar I cannot tell you at all
June 28, 2015 at 3:51 am |
Does anyone remember Paul Thomas that worked at Sam White Oldsmobile in 1986 in Houston, Texas?
August 15, 2015 at 12:37 am |
[…] https://bill37mccurdy.com/2010/11/11/old-houston-car-dealers/ […]
October 24, 2015 at 3:28 pm |
After seeing the “Graduate” spyder at the Houston Auto Show in 1970, i remember that I walked into the Alfa Romeo dealership on Chimney Rock and Gulfton to buy an Alfa and ended up buying a beautiful Lotus Elan that was in the showroom? Does anyone remember the name of the dealership and the owner’s name?
October 24, 2015 at 4:56 pm |
In 1958 I bought a 1955 Mercury from Ivy-Russell motor co on
Milian street. and still have and drive it regulary.
Jim
October 25, 2015 at 3:08 am |
The name of the Alfa Romeo dealership on Chimney Rock was called Southwest Motors. Owner Joe Locario
March 25, 2017 at 9:47 pm |
Thanks John C. Southwest Motors, that was it! I’ve been overseas last year so now catching up. Any idea where Joe Locario is? He also had Citroens once in a while and I traded-in a classic Mustang for the Lotus, the man (I think Joe Locario) was so helpful and they serviced the car flawlessly. Never did buy an Alfa though, lol
If he’s still around i’d love to see if he has records from back then, maybe search for those cars again!
December 23, 2015 at 7:31 am |
Couple of references for you. Dewey and Hendrix sold Plymouths, late 50’s – early 60’s. My uncle Howard Dewey was half owner.
Ferrari dealer that was inquired about was Ferrari of Houston and owner was Giuseppe Riese. I worked approx 10.yrs for AJ Foyt Chevrolet. Over 35 yrs total in auto dealer business in Houston
February 26, 2016 at 6:42 pm |
My Dad bought 2 or 3 cars over the years from Bob Robertson Chevrolet, off of the Gulf Freeway. He dealt with a salesman named Bill Jordan. This was during the late 1950’s and 1960’s. When Dad went into Bob Robertson Chevrolet one evening after work in Sep. 1970 he unfortunately found out that they were charging over $5,000.00 for the ’71 models as they had sold or moved off the lot their remaining ’70 models. Dad got mad and walked out as he said, “I’ll be d_ mned if I pay five thousand dollars for a Chevrolet!” Mom and he drove down the Gulf Freeway to Bill McDavid Oldsmobile. It just so happened that the large trucks were delivering the 1971 models and the Sales Manager (may have been Dan Boone or his successor) wanted to get rid of their last remaining ’70 model on the lot. They had a light brown 4-door V-8 engine Cutlass with an AM only radio and the door windows had hand cranks to roll them up and down. They didn’t let my Dad know it at the time but this particular Cutlass had been on the Bill McDavid Olds lot for a while probably because it didn’t have an AM/FM radio nor power windows. The salesman talked to his Sales Manager and he walked back to speak with Mom and Dad. He said, “Well sir and ma’am, that brown Cutlass weighs 3,300 lbs.” “We’ll sell you that car for a dollar a pound.” Dad started laughing and they walked over to the salesman’s desk to fill out and sign the paperwork. Dad drove that Cutlass for years before he bought a Buick LeSabre in the very late ’70’s. Yes, the car dealerships in Houston were unique and it’s a shame that they’ve gone.
February 26, 2016 at 8:47 pm |
Great story, Bill H. Thanks for sharing!
February 27, 2016 at 3:11 am |
does any one remember Ivy-Russell dealership? I bought a 1955
Mercury in 1958 from them. I still have the car and take it to car shows each summer.
April 19, 2016 at 8:06 pm |
Would appreciate anyone’s help. I worked At McMahon Chevrolet on I-45 in the late 70’s I cant remember the owners first name, does anyone remember?
April 19, 2016 at 9:00 pm |
Why – Ed – of course! (Sorry, I simply couldn’t resist).
April 19, 2016 at 9:18 pm |
I tried to find good information and found an archived Obituary which of course was closed so I couldn’t connect the name given to the Dealership. Was it John Martin “Jack” McMahon died at 89 years. There were 13 Chevrolet dealerships nation wide noted on the article I couldn’t verify. I worked there in the good old days 72 and two times more in the later years 1989 being the last year I worked there for a short time. So it was LandMark and McMahon for me. It was always a good place to work but my favorite Job will forever be the first one after the Army at Al Parker Downtown 1970 I hope the name is accurate maybe it will give you something to start with. Can’t even tell what the place looked like now. It was a massive property. They’re all gone now, nothing left to remember from my youth.
July 3, 2016 at 6:55 pm |
Any one formula with the history of the O K Bud Moore Chevrolet Dealer ship located at or near the 610 Loop on the North Side in the 1950’s – 60’s Houston Tx?
July 4, 2016 at 2:15 pm |
My dad, Paul Stonecipher, was Parts Mgr. there when it be became Four Way Chevrolet.
July 5, 2016 at 1:13 am
I was blessed with a 30+ yr career in the car business. From AJ Foyt Chevrolet, San White Oldsmobile, Bob Marco Buick, McGinnis Cadillac and the group that owned the BMW, Porsche Audi, Volkswagen,Jaguar,Mini,Landrover. All fair and decent men.
July 5, 2016 at 3:02 am
Might it have been Phil Parker service manager at Cadillac you mentioned and Herb Ellis shop foreman ? It was so long ago I can’t remember which Cadillac dealer they were at, the three of us had worked at Tom Peacock in 73, those two left there and went to Cadillac , we were all service writers at that particular time in 73
October 27, 2016 at 3:40 am
No, neither worked for McGinnis. ☺
July 20, 2016 at 9:47 pm |
In 1956 – STAR CHEVROLET located at West 11th at Hempstead Hwy. This dealership became Courtesy Chevrolet prior to moving to 7777 Katy Fwy. Employed there as a parts delivery driver for about 2 years. WOW, a long time ago
October 26, 2016 at 10:00 pm |
Jack Croswell Lincoln Mercury, Bob Marco buick, Roberson Chevrolet, McDavid olds,Frizzell pontiac
October 27, 2016 at 3:12 am |
I was proud to work 35 years in the car business. All my experiences were with honorable owners. A. J. Foyt Chevrolet (Old McRoberts) Bob Marco Buick, Sam White Oldsmobile, McGinnis Cadillac and the Momentum group. Last job was horrible and I retired. I caught an employee embezzling…alot 2 million cash and 125 cars. I was bad guy because I stumbled upon dirty accounting by the owners. I couldn’t talk due to working with law authorities. My whole family is in business and rumors flew about ME being guilty. I prevailed, your good name is all you have, but I retired after they arrested her on the 6pm news.
October 27, 2016 at 4:18 am
That person who did the stealing could find gainful employment in government, surely the clinton foundation could use her ‘0)
October 31, 2016 at 8:15 pm
Yes except for the fact she had 3 ss numbers, none here. Oh, what was I thinking. No problem for the Clintons
February 23, 2017 at 5:21 am |
Dear Readers – Please keep your comments clear of publicizing those who have wronged you in the past. If you have a need to keep rubbing sand in ancient wounds, please do it elsewhere. We are not here to compile histories of anyone’s list of resentment and regret in personal defamatory ways that impugn another’s character, integrity, or honesty – and we sure as heck are not a court of law for holding unofficial trials. Thanks. – The Pecan Park Eagle.
February 23, 2017 at 7:07 am |
Well said, Bill. I wholeheartedly agree.
January 9, 2018 at 1:07 am
I don’t see where anyone has done these things you mentioned.
February 23, 2017 at 2:41 pm |
Jay Davis and Mike Calvert are still alive and kicking. Jay is Chuck Davis son and Mike Calvert is his partner. He was Mr Davis account for years.
February 23, 2017 at 6:25 pm |
LOVE THIS SITE I GREW UP AT 6910 KELLER STREET IN PECAN PARK . AND WHEN I WAS DISCHARGED FROM THE ARMY I WENT TO WORK FOR ART GRINDLES O S T CHRYSLER STORE ON THE USED CAR LOT..A LOT OF THE DEALERSHIPS YOU TALK ABOUT I WORKED FOR..I WAS NEW CAR MANAGER FOR BUD MOORE CHEVROLET 75-77 HIS SON JOHN WAS THE ACTING DEALER AT THE TIME. BUB ALSO HAD A NOTE LOT..THE BEST DEALER I WORKED FOR WAS DR. JACOBE OF JACOBE LINCOLN MERCURY DOWN TOWN HOUSTON.YOUR SITE BRINGS BACK A LOT OF MEMORYS OF PECAN PARK AND THE CAR BUSINESS. THANKS AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. P.S. I AM STILL IN THE CAR BUSINESS ITS A DISEASE.
March 4, 2017 at 7:48 am |
Larry Roberts, where are you now? I finally retired. I uncovered fraud and theft by a trusted employee at a dealership I was with. Very dramatic and sad at the same time. The person went to prison but it really affected me. Spent another year free lancing for dealers rooting out employee theft. Burned out. But I loved the car business. The business changed on me. I was born 8/1957 @ St Joseph Infirmary and brought home to Pecan Park, on Linden Street. Do not know the address. Was there a grocery store called Candelaria’s or something like that?
March 4, 2017 at 5:40 am |
I worked as a body damage appraiser and bodyman at Bland Cadillac 77 to 81, and also visited dealerships all over Houston while employed by Loyd Welch A.D.A auto damage appraisers
March 8, 2017 at 4:49 pm |
My grandfather was Earl McMillian Sr. and my father was Earl McMillian Jr. I just walked into Knapp Chevrolet this morning (to look at a fleet car) and met Bob Carr in sales there. He is 88 and is still working! He worked in parts way back when Jack Roach and Earl McMillian were in the same building downtown. He knew my father and remembered our interesting family history! You gotta love the car business people in Houston! Go see Bob – he is a weath of information!
March 15, 2017 at 7:29 pm |
hey marti, iam working at laporte mitsubishi used cars . it used to be the ford dealership. like you i was born at st. josephs hospital down town houston in may 1941. ito grew up in pecan park . and like you i love the car business. ilove this site . it brings back all the good feelings of old times and honorable men. its all changed now computers have made paper work easier but have killed the car business as we knew it it will never be the same again glad your happy. larry roberts.
March 15, 2017 at 7:30 pm |
Thanks. Later I’ll tell my Pecan Park “horror” story. Remind me. Lol
March 16, 2017 at 12:49 am |
During the 70’s I worked at Frank Gillman Pontiac, we were like a big family, I looked forward to go to work every day. I loved that place, and the people….
March 16, 2017 at 1:10 am
I always felt fortunate that I worked for what I considered the “Cream of the Crop”
AJ Foyt
Bob Marco
Sam White
Ron Carter
Lester Marks
Mr. Weiss Momentum Group.
All class acts😊
March 16, 2017 at 2:20 am
Does anybody remember Alfonso (Al) Ortega who was Senior Service Manager for Gillman Pontiac until he retired in 1962? He passed away in 1982, survived by wife Ruth, stepson Lawrence J. Baker, and grandson David M. Baker. Bernd
March 16, 2017 at 3:39 am
No sir, sorry. I started car biz @ 15 yrs old in 1972. Born in 1957. Worked for Jerry Durnell (Frizzell) at an auto auction in Pearland. Not even old enough to have my notary certificate. I used his. Total junk cars. Lol. Bell Telephone & HL&P used (VERY USED) company trucks.
April 10, 2017 at 11:20 pm |
I ate it up. But when it changed, i got out.
April 10, 2017 at 2:50 pm |
Don’t forget Bob Robertson Chevrolet on 45 south and Joe Myers Ford
April 10, 2017 at 3:38 pm |
And please let’s not forget Gulf Freeway Toyota in the early eighties we had such a great time there in remembrance to bob yokum number one Toyota salesman in the country he averaged 54 cars a month it was such a pleasure working with them he was such a Showman
April 19, 2017 at 9:01 pm |
My family is the owner of Flores Motors co we are a body shop still in business since 1929 at 7414 Navigation Blvd . We also owned Sports Car Center new a car dealer at 7000 Harrisburg blvd in the 1950s thru mid 1960s we sold European cars Fiats, BMW, etc. they came in thru the port of Houston we prep and made ready for sale . until the wave of Japanese hit the west coast.
June 19, 2017 at 7:11 pm |
I ran across this site while doing a web search for Art Grindle, who suddenly popped into my head, whilst I was reliving some childhood memories. I remember him and his antics quite vividly. Something else I remember were some of the jingles. A couple of my favorites were the Mike Persia one, and Tommie Vaughn’s. Anybody else remember Tommie Vaughn’s? It was very cool, one of the coolest, I think.
Here’s the entire jingle, starting at 5:43
And here’s the one you typically heard on the radio:
My parents bought a new 1959 Ford Galaxy from Tommy Vaughn. I wasn’t in kindergarten yet, but I still remember it.
June 19, 2017 at 11:41 pm |
“tommy Vaughn, tommie Vaughn…
Well he’s got the car
And he’s got the price,
Everyone knows he will treat you right, Tommy Vaughn
Tommy wants you to meet all his family”
And that’s all I remember
Patrick Vance
Vance & Sons AMC/JEEP
“In Houston since 1925”
June 20, 2017 at 4:09 am |
Trivia question, what was the name of the Chevrolet dealership on the corner of Shepherd & Westheimer in the late 1970’s?
June 20, 2017 at 3:13 pm |
Jimmy Green Chevrolet. I remember it well.
June 20, 2017 at 5:34 pm
My dad worked there. I Bought my first car in 1974 from there!
June 20, 2017 at 5:32 pm |
Jimmy Greene Chevrolet
June 20, 2017 at 6:25 pm
Are you one of the Vance brothers who went to Bellaire high ???
June 20, 2017 at 8:31 pm
Yes, class of ’65
June 20, 2017 at 6:47 pm
I remember Terry from school
June 20, 2017 at 9:44 pm
I have a 1967 Corvette that was purchased new at Richardson Chevy in Houston. I wonder if any old dealer memorabilia is floating around that area. License plate holders? Trunk emblems or anything like that. I love reading these posts. Thank You guys for them
June 20, 2017 at 6:23 pm |
Jimmie Greene Chevrolet
June 20, 2017 at 5:45 pm |
Jimmy Green was the dealer to go to if you needed a part, that goes for the other Chevy dealers in town also, and it remained that way up until as far as 2005 that I remember. When you go to a dealer and ask for a pair of front turn signal buckets for an 82 GMC Truck (Bumper Mounted) and they had them. Well you get the idea ! It was one of the few Chevy dealerships I never worked at. The landscape has changed so much in Houston over the past 47 years it’s hard to even answer easy questions any longer.
July 21, 2017 at 1:57 am |
hey don’t forget Chick/Smith Ford where Russell and Smith Ford is now, McMahon Chevrolet on I 45 north and Bud Moore Chevrolet on I 59 north just north of loop 610. Those were all there in the late 70’s!
July 22, 2017 at 12:55 pm |
My dad, Paul Stonecipher, worked at Bud Moore.
August 15, 2017 at 7:03 pm |
Hello all – I’m wondering if anyone knew Marvin Byars who worked at Earl North Buick in the 50’s. He is the relative of a friend. He would love to hear any stories you can share and would love to have a picture of him if possible. He worked as a maintenance man as well as with Earl’s racing horses. Thanks.
August 16, 2017 at 2:38 am |
Does anyone remember Ivy Russell Lincoln and Mercury on Mylan street? I bought a 1955 Mercury there in 1958 and am still driving it.
August 26, 2017 at 10:16 am |
I am trying to find out info about Smith Chevrolet during the 1960’s. Did they exist or am I merely confused?
August 26, 2017 at 4:29 pm |
No you’re not confused, my dad bought several cars there in the fifties. Then he stated going to Jimmie Greene Chevrolet, that’s when I started going with him to shop…
September 7, 2017 at 2:42 am |
My grandfather was a finance manager at Smith Chevrolet
January 9, 2018 at 1:23 am |
Does anyone remember the dealership name that went in after Mort Hall closed on 59N. I believe a Black man owned it after Mort Hall but can’t remember his name.
January 26, 2018 at 3:25 pm |
And remember North Point Chrysler, on 45 N. Houston,
January 27, 2018 at 6:08 pm |
Hey friends and Old car Dealer fans, I opened a group this morning on Facebook, it’s called Old Houston Car Dealerships, cruise by and check it out,,, make comments, and post pics…let’s see if it will work ..
January 28, 2018 at 11:33 am |
John Landeche – This is Bill McCurdy, proprietor of The Pecan Park Eagle, where I long ago gave this comment section of my mainly baseball blog life years ago when I wrote this column. – Then old Houston car people made contact here and started using it as an ongoing forum.
Now I need the space for other things.
If there’s a way to do it with the help of WordPress and whomever your blog sponsor is, I would love to transfer this column and all the contacts and comments here to your place – and then shutdown here as the unofficial sponsor of Houston’s old car dealer digital coffee shop by removing this column and all that has grown with it from my blog site.
These items need to be conserved. And they would give your new venture a tsunami-sized head start on a vast ocean of car dealer people contacts. We could even aim to leave a detour sign in place of the ol this column that would e-direct people to your place.
Let’s get it done.
Please get in touch with me if you are interested. I grew up with a Houston car dealer employee dad too, but that’s not the direction I want to lean my Internet time at this point in life.
My e-mail address is
houston.buff37@gmail.com
– Bill McCurdy, The Pecan Park Eagle
January 28, 2018 at 5:52 pm
Bill, I would be honored to transfer all of this to my group. And also have you as a member. It hasn’t sparked any interest yet , but this is probably what it needs.. so Bill get to adding it to the group . Ask to join, and I will put you right in,
January 28, 2018 at 7:48 pm
Add a link to the group if you would, I haven’t been able to find it using facebook search.
January 28, 2018 at 8:33 pm
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
February 9, 2018 at 3:39 pm |
My grannie’s house was 3411 Dixie Drive and Art Grindall’s back lot was across the street from her. The P.A. system was so loud. Even at night. And the German Shepherd dog he used in the commercials would run up barking at me whenever I would stand on that side of the road to catch the city buss to go to Jesse H. Jones high School.
February 9, 2018 at 5:42 pm |
COMMENT CLOSURE NOTICE!
IN ANTICIPATION OF THE NEW “OLD HOUSTON CAR DEARS” WEBSITE THAT IS SUPPOSEDLY OPENING UP AS THE PLACE OF A READER FROM THIS SITE, NO FUTURE COMMENTS WILL BE APPROVED FOR FURTHER LISTING HERE. WHEN I FINALLY GET AN ADDRESS FOR THIS NEW SITE, I WILL POST THIS COLUMN AND ALL THE COMMENTS LISTED HERE TO A PLACE THAT HAS THE SPACE TO HANDLE THIS MUCH MATERIAL AS A DEDICATED WEBSITE. WHEN I RECEIVE CLEARER DATA FROM THIS NEW OWNER, I WILL POST IT HERE SO THAT THOSE OF YOU WHO WISH TO KEEP THE CAR DEALERSHIP HISTORIES GOING, YOU WILL HAVE BOTH THE ROOM AND GREATER FREEDOM TO DO SO.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING.
BILL McCURDY, PROPRIETOR
THE PECAN PARK EAGLE
February 9, 2018 at 6:31 pm
Thanks for keeping it active for so long Bill. I’ve been waiting for him to drop a link to the facebook page since I was never able to find it after he posted the name of the group or page.
February 9, 2018 at 9:43 pm |
To: John Landeche, The Person Who Proposed the New Independent Website as a Done Deal
E-Mail:
We Need to Know –
Do you still plan to open the Old Houston Car Dealer Site on Facebook as promised? I’ve stopped new comment at my site on that column subject and have tried to find and advise others on how and where to look for your new place, It’s not showing up for me or another reader I’ve heard from..
If something has stopped your plan, please let me know. This is becoming awkward and troublesome to everyone.
An accurate update would be greatly appreciated asap. Are you on with the plan? Or not?
We need to know.
Thanks,
Bill McCurdy
February 9, 2018 at 11:44 pm |
It’s there, and open for the general public… OLD HOUSTON CAR DEALERS. …..
February 12, 2018 at 2:00 pm |
I invite all Pecan Park Eagle readers to join the group and get it started….
February 12, 2018 at 5:13 pm |
John Landeche, if you would please go to the top of your browser while on your facebook group or page and tick it then copy and paste the link here, That is the only way we will be able to find it, there is simply too many other titles of similarity and facebook is terrible for searching other pages. Also make sure the group or page is PUBLIC
thanks
February 26, 2018 at 7:13 am |
My Uncle painted a picture of Marjoree North in 1940 his name was Jules Cannert I would like to get it to a family member does anyone know them? I can be reached at russb106@gmail.com
October 19, 2020 at 12:26 am |
There was a Frank North that had a used? car dealership in the 1950’s suppose any kin?
February 14, 2019 at 5:25 am |
I am searching for a man by the name of Billy Roy who would have worked for Demontron Buick in 1968.
March 13, 2019 at 11:19 pm |
Christi, Did he also work for Burkett Motors (Dodge) in the 1950’s?
April 2, 2019 at 9:40 pm |
What great fun it was looking through the names from way back.
Worked at Mossy Oldsmobile in the 80’s and feel that I could not have worked for a finer family.
October 11, 2019 at 2:28 am |
Louis Higginbotham Buick
August 6, 2020 at 10:18 pm |
Fantastic thread, really took me back, thank you to all! Don’t know if anyone posted but how about Tom Gray Datsun over by Town & Country, off of Katy Freeway, Tom Peacock (Jingle: “Everything is beautiful at Peacock”) also off of Katy Freeway around the same area, Ralph Williams Chrysler/Plymouth and Hub Buick, which I believe was off of 59 (Kirby area). In the summer of 1971, at age 14, got to meet newly drafted Oiler quarterback Dan Pastorini at Tom Gray Datsun, who was doing a promo for Tom Gray. I heard about it on KILT and zoomed over there on my bike (it was a Saturday if I recall correctly) It was awesome! When I entered the showroom Dante was leaning against a car about 30 feet away wearing dark sunglasses and looking major cool! We talked for quite awhile as I was the only ‘customer’ there and let me tell you I was in Hog Heaven! As to Peacock Chevrolet, if you remember the original Peacock jingle from above, then you should remember the pretty blonde that would spread her arms as the jingle played; she was Peacock’s daughter. My sister went to school with her at Memorial Sr. High. As to Ralph Williams Chrysler/Dodge, does anyone remember his commercials which co-featured his German Shepard, Storm? I remember in his commercials Williams would walk over to a car and ‘Storm’ would be laying on the hood, blocking the price which was on the windshield and Williams would say something to the effect ‘everyone, this is my dog Storm… ‘Storm if you’ll move I’ll show the folks the great price on this beauty…’ and the dog would move showing the price.-Ha It really was a great time to grow up in Houston to be sure. I too can still sing many, many jingles like so many here can! Again, thanks to all for the reads!
August 6, 2020 at 10:42 pm |
I have a question for Patrick Vance of Vance and Sons AMC I was hoping he would answer if he still monitors the thread. My email is mmj5714@hotmail.com!
November 19, 2021 at 3:16 am |
Richardson Chevy …Luke Johnson ford jimmy green Chevy McDavid olds Burkett Chrysler Plymouth jack Cris well linc Merc norm Livermore dodge bob Marco Buick and trimmers Chevy are just a few i remember… I hate to add a piece of sad bad news to your history lesson but I think the saddest part is is that at least half of the American car dealerships that are left are not owned by the names on the billboard but a by corporations that are taking over the new car business one is Sonic corporation and once they’re taking over they leave no room for anybody else to get involved in the business not even the actual people whose names were on the billboards and then they been to an even bigger corporations stick which is the Cox Manheim corporation which owns all the major auto auctions in this country I wish account on my gears could be written every day to remind people how the greed of big corporations tears up local working families