PHOTOS: TOP LEFT: WELLINGTON COUNTY ARCHIVES A1990.129 , TOP RIGHT: WELLINGTON COUNTY ARCHIVES SLIDE 2036, BOTTOM: DREW MOCHRIE
CCM bicycle dealership from around 1900.” Reeves Jr. said the business evolved a lot over the years from a wagon builder to an automotive dealership. While there may be dealerships still existing from the 1920s, few have the same consistent history. He noted that back in the 1920s, when it was Templin Garage, the business was a Dodge, Desoto, Hudson and Essex dealership. Later the business became a Hudson and International truck dealership. “A lot of my contemporaries came and went,” Reeves Jr. said. “You’d be struggling to find a dealership which started in the 1950s that is still there operating today. “It may be in the same building and have the same name - but be a completely different operation. It’s just the way the
automotive industry has evolved.” He added, “it is pretty clear that is the way the big corporate structures have taken it.” CURRENT OWNERSHIP
Sam Hirani, dealer principal for the new Robinson dealership in Fergus, said discussions began with Reeves Jr. in mid2016. Hirani said Reeves Jr. had decided that maybe it was time to retire so a conversation began about the dealership sale and transition. “(Reeves Jr.) was concerned about the community and making sure whoever took over the dealership would look after his customers the same way he did and treat the employees fair,” he said. Hirani explained discussions continued over a number of months, with final closure
TERRY REEVES JR.
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Warden Jones of Howes and Reeves International Rambler dealer, left, presented the keys to a new Groves Memorial Community Hospital ambulance to Art Jones, chairman of the property committee of Groves Memorial Community Hospital on July 15, 1968. In the cab is ambulance supervisor Brent Goodwin and to the right of Jones, from left, are administrator J.F. Mills, chairman of the hospital board Harry Munn and director of nurses E. Hoag.
It may be in the same building and have the same name - but be a completely different operation. It’s just the way the automotive industry has evolved.
of the deal in February 2017. Hirani added Reeves knew those involved at Robinson’s throughout its 50-year history “and felt very comfortable we would carry on the legacy he’d set.” Hirani stressed Reeves Jr. wasn’t only focused on the sale; he wanted to make certain his staff was treated well. “We kept all of his employees - no one was terminated,” Hirani said. Now, a year in, Hirani said, “It’s been excellent. Terry still comes in once per week, sells a few cars and has customers who still want to deal with him.” While not involved in the day-to-day, “he is still involved in some capacity,” Hirani said. Other source material: Obituary of Terry Reeves Sr. published in the Wellington Advertiser
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INTERIOR OF ROBINSON CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM DEALERSHIP
BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY | 29