March 24, 2024
Bad Axe Michigan - Pony Rides

Kids Pony Parade in 1930s Bad Axe Michigan

This shot was found in a stack of digital shots from our research. It appears to be a pony parade taken in Bad Axe, Michigan, in the 1930s. 

The Garber Buick Company

Guy Garber - Bad Axe Michigan

In the background, it shows the Garber Buick Company dealership. Its founder, Guy Garber, was an automotive pioneer. At age 23, Guy was mentored by Billy Durant, founder of General Motors. Durant asked Guy to organize a retail network, opening dealerships in Battle Creek and Saginaw. In 1910, Buick withdrew from the Saginaw market, and Guy, along with a partner, bought Buick’s interest, establishing Garber Buick Company. Bad Axe Michigan.

Flannery Buys Out Garber

Guy Flannery - Bad Axe Michigan

In 1938 Guy Flannery bought the Bad Axe dealership. After World War II, Flannery’s son, Mark, joined his dad to run the dealership as Flannery and Sons. The pair sold both the Buick and Pontiac brands. 

Both families, Garber and Flannery, are still operating auto dealerships in Michigan. Guy Garber passed away in 1965.

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Michaela Nolte

Michaela is a history buff and loves to export historical markers and old buildings and seeks stories about Michigan and Great Lakes history. When she is not writing, you can find her with a good book sipping wine on the beach.

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