Sanford & Springvale are often thought of as a center for textiles and shoes. Ernest Goodall of the textile family nevertheless decided in 1903 to have a go with automobiles. He built a plant where Hannaford’s store is now situated and made a start. Two years later in the face of competition he gave it up. In 1914 E. E. Wentworth made a deal with Ford Motors to assemble Model-T Fords in Springvale. He did so for several years. Casco Trucks was the next manufacturing adventure. The firm lasted for eight years in the 1920s. Of longer duration was the use of Sanford manufactured Velmo Plush in fitting out the interiors of many of the automobiles made in the United States. This local history is featured in the new exhibit.

The new exhibit covers the local sale of motor vehicles through advertisements that appeared in the old Sanford Tribune. The years 1937, 1952 and 1967 were selected as the sample years. Eight dealers advertised in 1937, ten in 1952 but only six in 1967. With one exception, all were located in Sanford. Most were on Main Street. Others were on Winter, Roberts, Lebanon, Nason, and Jackson Streets. Chevrolets, Chryslers, Fords and Pontiacs were advertised in all three of the sample years.

Architectural plans for the service station just across the street from the Historical Museum were purchased recently by the society. The station was built in 1937 for Roger Ridley. Three of the drawings are on display along with photographs taken in 1957.  The station’s architectural details are still intact.

Of special interest is a 1930s photo of Jim Makin’s shop on Main Street in Springvale where Partner’s Bank is now situated. Makin sold Texaco gas. One of the colorful glass globes from the top of one of his pumps is on display along with the photo. Also, on display is a collection of Maine license plates including the scarce plates for 1911 and 1912. In all 32 of the 36 plates issued between 1911 and 1946 are on view.