This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
The World's Oldest Ford Dealer
Listen
0:00
Listen
As the Ford Motor Co. marks its 100th anniversary, a Ford dealership in central Minnesota is also celebrating its centennial. The Tenvoorde family began selling Fords a century ago, just as Henry Ford started his business. It's now considered the world's oldest Ford dealership. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Post reports.
Jack Tenvoorde, 63, the president of Tenvoorde Ford says his grandfather, Stephen, and a friend brought the first automobile to St. Cloud in 1899. It was "the first time people had seen a horseless carriage," Jack Tenvoorde says. It wasn't long before Stephen Tenvoorde was selling cars to local residents.
Eighteen-year-old Eric Dahl will join the service center this summer, marking the fifth generation of the family to work at the dealership. He says he'd love to take over the family business someday, but it's too early to say for sure.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. 9(MDA1OTI3MjQ5MDEyODUwMTE2MzM1YzNmZA004))
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
