BusinessNovember 25, 2024

Explore Ripley County's century-long automotive evolution from horse-drawn vehicles to modern dealerships. Discover how roads, community engagement, and local businesses shaped the region's transportation history.

Harris Chevrolet photo taken in the 1960s that is displayed at Countryside Chevrolet.
Harris Chevrolet photo taken in the 1960s that is displayed at Countryside Chevrolet.
The Prospect News Dec. 31, 1924 issue shows the Ripley County Auto Co. (Ford) new price list for Ford vehicles from Detroit that were fully equipped. The ad reads,  “Additional features cost as self started added $65, demountable added another $20 to touring and runabout prices.”
The Prospect News Dec. 31, 1924 issue shows the Ripley County Auto Co. (Ford) new price list for Ford vehicles from Detroit that were fully equipped. The ad reads, “Additional features cost as self started added $65, demountable added another $20 to touring and runabout prices.”
The company advertised the new 1932 Chevrolet as the “great American value” at a cost of $475.
The company advertised the new 1932 Chevrolet as the “great American value” at a cost of $475.
Harris Chevrolet Company time clock from the original car dealership was kept and still hangs in GM Jake Netherland’s office.
Harris Chevrolet Company time clock from the original car dealership was kept and still hangs in GM Jake Netherland’s office.
According to the above ad from The Prospect-News archives, Harris Chevrolet offered the new 1947 as an even greater measure of big car quality at the lowest price.
According to the above ad from The Prospect-News archives, Harris Chevrolet offered the new 1947 as an even greater measure of big car quality at the lowest price.
The record of sales at Harris Bros Chevrolet beginning Mar. 23, 1931.  The  invoice indicates that the second sale was to purchaser J.C. Fagon, and the cost was $402.
The record of sales at Harris Bros Chevrolet beginning Mar. 23, 1931. The invoice indicates that the second sale was to purchaser J.C. Fagon, and the cost was $402.
The current Countryside Chevy store front with 2024 models located at 1409 Hillcrest Plaza.
The current Countryside Chevy store front with 2024 models located at 1409 Hillcrest Plaza.

In the early 20th century, the landscape of Ripley County’s transportation was dominated by horse-drawn vehicles. However, the winds of change began to blow with the construction of State Highway 42, connecting Doniphan to Alton, and the completion of a new road to Poplar Bluff in 1924.

This period marked the dawn of a new era, with the first automobile dealership, Chapman Motor Co., in Doniphan that sold the Studebaker. Advertising in The Prospect-News in 1924 signaled the beginning of a transformative journey for the region’s automotive industry.

For travelers that were needing transportation of a greater distance than to town, there was the Garrison Bus Service, owned by R.C. Garrison which provided a schedule to Poplar Bluff and up to St. Louis regularly.

Residents who had the means and could wait for a Ford from Detroit, Mich., had the opportunity to order from the Ripley County Auto Co. (Though research is limited, it is believed that the Auto Co. represented Ford.)

By 1931, the Harris Bros. Chevrolet Co. had sold its first vehicle in Doniphan for just under $500. This milestone was not just about selling cars; it was about integrating modern transportation into the fabric of the community.

The dealership also offered Goodyear tires, which was named the largest rubber company just a few years earlier in 1926. The Harris Chevrolet dealership was located where the Doniphan Police Department parking lot is today, at 205 Locust Street in front of the Doniphan-Ripley County Library.

In the 1940s, roads were repaired and blacktopped, and a new road was constructed from Oxly to Naylor, further enhancing connectivity. Better roads enticed more drivers and more automobiles to be sold. Harris Chevrolet began to offer wrecker services with day or night call numbers, that were only three digits long.

The 1950s and 1960s saw the emergence of new dealerships like Dalton Sales Co., located at 105 Water Street, which sold Pontiacs, and Tanner and Sons that was located at 207 Washington Street, which offered Plymouth vehicles.

These developments underscored the growing importance of automobiles in daily life and the economy of Ripley County.

The legacy of automotive dealerships in Ripley County is not just about cars; it’s about community and customer service. The Harris family, who owned the Chevrolet dealership, passed the torch from father Charles to son Doug when the dealership relocated from to Hillcrest Plaza in the mid-1960s when the mall was completed.

As the decades rolled on, the automotive landscape continued to evolve. The dealership also included Dodge models for a time. Various owners and partnerships including Blackwell, Wright, and Speer, took the reins until the Netherland family in 1982 .

The Netherland family also expanded their automotive footprint by acquiring the Ford dealership, Current River Ford, which moved to its current location on Smith Drive in 1986.

This expansion reflects a broader trend of growth and adaptation within the industry, ensuring that customer service and community support remain at the forefront.

Bob Netherland, owner like his predecessors, mentored his son Jake to take over and in 2018 Jake became the General Manager of Countryside Chevrolet. Jake has always promoted customer service as number one goal in business and supporting the community in the process.

Countryside Chevy and Current River Ford take an active role in sponsorship in the community from school and sports events that connect the community and help to preserve its history.

In June, the Prospect-News celebrated 150 years, with Netherland always encouraging others to support the history of progress.

He said, “It’s not just about promoting products or services; it’s about investing in our town’s shared story and supporting the vital role the newspaper plays in preserving our history and connecting us all.”

As Ripley County continues to evolve, the automotive industry along with the news (Prospect- News) stand as a testament to the region’s resilience and adaptability.

From horse-drawn carriages to modern dealerships, the journey has been marked by innovation, community engagement, and a steadfast commitment to serving the people of Ripley County.

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