SHUT UP SHOP: Historic Ford dealership announces closure after 100 years as owner reveals ‘complicated’ reasons behind shutdown
According to The Sun, A beloved Ford dealership in Holden, Massachusetts, is set to close its doors for good after more than a century of operation. Sunnyside Ford, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in March, has made the difficult decision to cease operations before the end of the year.
A Legacy of Service
Sunnyside Ford began as a garage servicing Ford Model T vehicles in 1923 and transitioned into a dealership in 1924. Over the decades, it has sold and serviced the iconic car brand, becoming a well-known fixture in the Holden community. Dan Harrington, president and general manager of Sunnyside Ford, shared insights about the evolution of vehicles during his time at the dealership and the challenging decision to close a family business that has been in operation for three generations.
Reflecting on the changes in the automotive industry, Harrington stated, “It’s definitely been more complicated in the last 10 years or so, but I’m 74, so it’s time to retire. I remember the times you get in the car, turn the key, and boom, you forget your left gear and nothing jumps forward. Well, now they won’t do that on you. A lot of safety features are great; some are a pain, but they’re for the benefit of everybody.”
Heartfelt Farewell to Customers and Employees
The dealership employs approximately 20 staff members at its Main Street location and announced its closure in a heartfelt Facebook post, stating: “We would like to share the news that Sunnyside Ford will close operations as of November 22, 2024. Sunnyside has been a proud local business, Ford dealer, and employer for over 100 years, and the decision to close was a very difficult one. We will miss our employees, customers, and being part of the Holden community. To our loyal employees and customers, thank you.”
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The announcement was met with an outpouring of support from the community. One Facebook user remarked, “Say it’s not so! The Harrington family was wonderful to me during the 32 years I worked for them. I wish them and all my friends at Sunnyside the best for the years ahead.” Another commented, “I am very sad to hear this is the end of a 100-year run. It will be quite the adjustment to no longer see the Ford sign when we go down Main Street.”
A Piece of Automotive History
Sunnyside Ford opened its doors during the tail end of the Ford Model T’s popularity, a vehicle that is credited with making car ownership accessible to middle-class Americans. Over 15 million Model Ts were sold, holding the record as history’s best-selling car until it was surpassed by the Volkswagen Beetle in 1972. Today, Ford sells nearly 2 million vehicles in the U.S. each year.
In a related note, a classic car enthusiast’s collection of 24 vehicles, including a Ford Model A and a striking red 1953 Sedan, was recently auctioned off after the collector, Peter Learmont, passed away last year. Meanwhile, Ford is facing challenges of its own, having recalled 144,500 trucks due to a serious safety issue that could potentially lead to crashes.
As Sunnyside Ford prepares to close, it marks the end of an era for both the dealership and the Holden community.