Accession#:
2013.4
Collection:
Durant Motors Automobile Museum Photo Collection
Object ID:
2013.4.37
Object Name:
Print, Photographic
Print Size:
8" x 10"
Description:
Durant Motors Inc. advertising billboard. Photograph was taken on U.S. Highway 131 near Grand Rapids Michigan. Billboard was erected for Richardson Motor Car Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Richardson Motor Car Company was owned and operated by Ora E. Richards (President), M. C. Westrate (vice President), L.A. Eagan (Secretary/Treasurer). They were located at 129-31 Jefferson Street SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan. According to historical records from 1924 through 1931 they sold Maxwell, Chrysler Cleveland, Star, Durant, Chandler, Falcon Knight, Auburn and Cord to their automobile sales line up. Of note is a December 19, 1931 newspaper article from the Grand Rapids, Michigan newspaper indicating Mr. Ora E. Richards was arrested and charged with "Disposing of Mortgage Goods". Charges consisted of double and triple financing of automobiles to the extent of $12,000.00. He was found guilty and sentenced to nine (9) months prison confinement. The fate of the Richards Motor Car Company as a result of this incident is unknown.
Photographer:
Unknown
Credit Line:
From the collection of William J. DeVries.
Copyright:
Durant Motors Antique Automobile Museum
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Richards Motor Car Company Durant billboard, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Richards Motor Car Company Durant billboard, Grand Rapids, Michigan