End of an Era: Sunnyside Ford Announces Closure After Century of Service
According to The Sun, A historic Ford dealership in Holden, Massachusetts, is set to close its doors after over a century of service, following a difficult decision by its owner. Sunnyside Ford, which first opened as a garage for Ford Model T’s in 1923, celebrated its 100th anniversary earlier this year but will cease operations by November 22, 2024.
Sunnyside Ford transitioned to a dealership in 1924 and has been a beloved part of the community ever since. Dan Harrington, the dealership’s president and general manager, reflected on the evolution of vehicles during his tenure, acknowledging the complexities that have arisen in recent years. At 74 years old, Harrington feels it’s time to retire, stating, “It’s definitely been more complicated in the last 10 years or so.”
He reminisced about simpler times when starting a car was as easy as turning the key, contrasting that with today’s advanced safety features, which can sometimes be overwhelming. Sunnyside Ford employs approximately 20 staff members, all of whom will be affected by the closure.
The dealership shared the news in a heartfelt Facebook post, expressing their gratitude to loyal customers and employees. “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,” they wrote.
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Reactions to the announcement have poured in from the community. One user recalled the Harrington family’s kindness during their 32 years of service, while others expressed sadness over the loss of a long-standing establishment. “I am very sad to hear this is the end of a 100-year run,” one comment read, highlighting the dealership’s significance to the area.
Sunnyside Ford’s legacy began toward the end of the Ford Model T’s popularity, an iconic vehicle that made car ownership accessible to the middle class. With over 15 million models sold, it was once the best-selling car in history until surpassed by the Volkswagen Beetle in 1972.
As Sunnyside Ford prepares to close its doors, the community reflects on its rich history and the memories it created for generations of customers.
