Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Harris Ford Key Chain Fob

Remember back when you bought a new car and they gave you a token of their appreciation for being a loyal customer? Here is one such item, a Harris Ford key chain fob. No automatic car starter or heated seats in these old vehicles. If you left your headlights on, your battery would be dead after a few hours. Much simpler times then, without a need for ten keys for opening doors. The cashier didn't need to scan the barcode on your grocery store loyalty card on your key fob because the cashier at your neighborhood food market most likely knew you by name. 

 Harris Ford was located at 150 East 12th St. in Erie, PA. There was a cluster of new and used car dealers on Twelfth Street at the time.

 Enjoy more fun facts and photos of historic Erie, Pennsylvania at: Old Time Erie
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Location: 150 East 12th Street, Erie, PA 16501, USA

7 comments:

  1. UnknownDecember 4, 2013 at 12:30 PM

    My folks bought their first car from a dealer in Wesleyville, but wouldn't take delivery until they had paid for it in full. So it sat on the lot until it was paid off. Times indeed have changed!

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    1. Debbi LyonDecember 4, 2013 at 9:46 PM

      Hi Dave. Did they buy a Studebaker?

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    2. AnonymousDecember 5, 2013 at 12:11 PM

      My Grandpa bought a Studebaker pickup truck at Grenz Motors on Buffalo Road in 1952. I foundly remember standing next to him with my arm wrapped around his neck as we made our regular drive to the Bon-Bon Shop for something special.

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    3. UnknownDecember 5, 2013 at 4:22 PM

      Yes - well sleuthed! It was a green Studebaker, probably 1940's vintage. They bought it at Grenz Motors, Union Avenue & Buffalo Road. The salesman wanted them to take the car after the first payment (of ten bucks!) but they wouldn't do it. So they walked up to the dealership every two weeks for the next two months with another $10 payment until it was finally paid for.

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  2. AnonymousDecember 4, 2013 at 4:05 PM

    What a special thing to see my dad's business remembered in this post. Very proud of what he accomplished back then. Thank you for sharing this.

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    1. Debbi LyonDecember 4, 2013 at 9:48 PM

      Glad you like it. Would you contact me via e-mail so I could ask you a few questions? I'm looking for photos of Harris Ford and other car lots on 12th St.

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  3. AnonymousDecember 5, 2013 at 10:04 AM

    I remember their radio commercial, "Harris Ford at 12th & Holland, the VERY BEST DEALS ON WHEELS!"

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