10/04/2024
100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Letting friends and people of Vernonia know the old Chevrolet building is turning a 100 years old today. This building was being built in the summer of 1924 by the Lorenz Brothers. It was one of the largest in the county; New, Modern, Fireproof Concrete Building. The Grand Opening for the Gilby Auto Company was on October 4th 1924. Free Dance at Coyle Hall & Display of new model cars “Auto Show” with the entire county invited. On display were the latest models of Oakland, Chevrolet, Willlys-Knight, Overlands & Rickenbakers.
The Two Ed’s - E.M. Bollinger & Ed Salomonsen moved into here in December 1935 with the name Veronia Auto Company. The Company was awarded a Chevrolet Agency as a direct Dealership in November. Ed Salomonsen bought out Bollinger in 1936.
In 1947 the Vernonia Auto Company was turned over to Mr. Salomonsen’s son-in-law and Daughter, Margaret Davies. Though he retained an interested until his death. In, 1976 the dealership was dissolved. From 1976 to 1988 when I moved in there were several different business which included the Vernonia School District. The building has stood quite the test of time having been through 4 floods, 2 earthquakes (Possibly more), and 2 Robberies.
Bob Riley and I I moved in the summer of 1988; renting the building from Margeret Davies. Which was a fulfillment of my many dreams. When I was a young man in the late 70s, I would sit in the drug store parking lot across from the shop in my 1955 Chevy pickup with a couple of friends tipping back a few cold ones. I mentioned the fact that I would someday like to get into this building which was met with chuckles and some laughs from my friends. Yet, by holding onto my dreams and passion just a decade later I was in here and preserving in my business. So now I sit here four decades later and I am able to share my story. I am also getting to celebrate my Birthday October 4th with the building I dreamed of owning. Though I am not yet 100.
Before Margaret passed away she gave me many old documents pertaining to the building, old Chev dealership giveaways items such as ice scrapers, books of matches, etc. and also included the original letter from Chevrolet authenticating them a Chevrolet Dealership. The building just got a new upgraded and modern roof put on it during the same period 100 years apart as from when being first built. There are some photos included some of which are 100-year-old nails that tell their own story.
