FJ - 1913 Ford Dealership Saved From Destruction

Post by **FreighTer Jim** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 6:54 pm

Some know Robert ( Bob ) Peterson.

For those that don’t - Bob lives between Rochester & Minneapolis in Kenyon, Minnesota.

He has several Model T’s and Model A’s.

He hosts a Swap Meet at his farm each year.

What caught my eye - about 2.5 years ago Bob purchased the 1913 Ford Dealership Building in his small hometown in a sealed bid auction.

That purchase saved the building from destruction along with the city block
in the Kenyon Downtown area.

FJ

The building in the 1930’s

The first Model A sold in Kenyon in 1927

Post by **FreighTer Jim** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 6:58 pm

When I learned of this - I called Bob to congratulate him and express my admiration & respect for what he did.

I vowed to pay a visit - but each time I was in the area - 🌧 or

kept me from dropping by.

FJ

The Ford Dealership Today

Post by **FreighTer Jim** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 10:06 pm

A Gentleman’s Club or “ Smoker “ was located in Downtown Kenyon - when it closed the billiard table was moved to the second floor living quarters ...

FJ

Post by **FreighTer Jim** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 11:19 pm

The building features fine original woodwork.

FJ

Allan · Post by **Allan** » Wed Apr 01, 2020 12:01 am

What a treasure! Just needs some period looking doors to look at its best. Well done all.

Allan from down under.

Post by **Duey_C** » Wed Apr 01, 2020 2:09 am

Beautiful building!
Thanks FJ. And thank you Bob.

Post by **FreighTer Jim** » Wed Apr 01, 2020 6:16 am

The local car guys gather once a week for coffee
at the Dealership.

The building survived because it was used by the

and

Departments - by an AA group - along with other occupants over the last 100 plus years.

FJ

Kaiser · Post by **Kaiser** » Wed Apr 01, 2020 6:34 am

I had one of those lifts for toy cars, in the last picture ! never saw another since i was a boy.
Great building, great initiative, hope they can find funds to fix it up with period doors instead of the modern white one.

Post by **FreighTer Jim** » Wed Apr 01, 2020 8:18 am

The building survived because it was utilized.

Windows and doors had to be replaced for that to happen so it is part of the story.

Perhaps down the road restoring all of the original building features might happen - but this is a small town.

FJ

Post by **Rich Eagle** » Wed Apr 01, 2020 8:37 am

That's a great story but even better are the photos.
Nice work!
Rich

Post by **FreighTer Jim** » Wed Apr 01, 2020 9:20 am

The Town Jewelry Store Clock

City Offices across the street

Post by **TWrenn** » Wed Apr 01, 2020 10:21 am

Nice batch of pics Jim! Thanks!
Makes me wonder if my beloved Clarabelle, my '13 Touring which was a Minnesota car, might have come
from that dealer. From what I've learned, it's always been in the Minneapolis area.

Post by **Sarikatime** » Wed Apr 01, 2020 12:43 pm

Beautiful building. Just a coat of brown paint on that white door would be a huge improvement to make it period correct looking. Maybe someone that has some period correct posters or wall decorations could donate to bob to make it more welcoming for for the old timers like me in case we go to visit. Just an idea. Frank

Post by **FreighTer Jim** » Wed Apr 01, 2020 1:31 pm

That’s a good idea to paint the roll up
garage door to match the building

I think donating some Model T items would
also be a good idea on

Bob has done some decorating - but there is always room for more

FJ

Post by **FreighTer Jim** » Mon Mar 27, 2023 9:11 am

Bump For Bob …

FJ

Post by **Rich Eagle** » Mon Mar 27, 2023 12:01 pm

Thanks for bumping this back. It was fun all over again.
Rich

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