June is Revell Ford 90th Anniversary Month
In 1936, just as the great depression was beginning to lift, Wesley Revell took a leap of faith.
He had worked for Ford dealerships in neighbouring communities, and decided to take his relationship with Ford to the next level by opening Revell Ford, in a former general store, on Main Street, in Verona.
Ford vehicles, particularly the 8-cylinder Model 48 and the Tudor, made Ford the number one selling car company, in North America, in 1936.
But in Frontenac County there were not a lot of people who were in a position to purchase a new car in the 1930s, and the war years in the early 1940s were not much better for business, but Wesley kept the business going.
In 1946, his two sons, Harry and Glen, joined the business, and together they established the Revell reputation for trustworthiness and customer care.
Also in 1946, Wesley built a two-bay service station, establishing Revell as the full-service dealership. It has remained so until this day, selling new and used cars, and providing mechanical repairs and a body shop, all in Verona.
In the early years working for their dad, Harry and Glen, and other employees, used to have to take turns traveling to Toronto to pick up new cars and bring them back from the Ford factory on Danforth Avenue.
A lot has changed since then. Glen and Harry took over the business from their father, and when Glen retired, Harry carried on with his sons, Larry and Al. The toughest period that the business faced under Larry and Al, was the recession of the 1980s.
“I remember that at the time we had only about 20 vehicles in stock, at the low point. We also ran into a problem with warranties, at one time. We sold a lot of extended warranties from a company that went bankrupt. Dad honoured all those warranties and we had to cover the losses. We only offer Ford warranties now,” Larry recalled, in an interview five years ago.
Larry retired in 2025, and Al is still working as the principal dealer, but the fourth generation
is now represented by Brad Revell, who is the managing partner.
Larry retired in 2025, and Al is still working as the Principal Dealer, but the fourth generation is now represented by Brad Revell, who is the Managing Partner.
Al reflected on the 90 year legacy of the business this week.
“Celebrating 90 years in business is a remarkable milestone for our family and our dealership. As a fourth-generation family business, we are deeply grateful to the customers, employees, and community members who have supported Revell Ford throughout the decades. Many of the relationships we have today span generations, and that trust is something we never take for granted. This anniversary is not just a celebration of our history – it's a celebration of the people who have been part of our journey. We are proud of our roots in the community and look forward to continuing to serve local families for generations to come.”
The 90th anniversary has sparked a month of initiatives at Revell Ford, including contests all month. Thanks to their neighbours at Verona Hardware, there will also be a draw for Blackstone 30” griddle. And every car purchase brings an opportunity to spin the wheel to win “a fabulous prize from a local business”. And the biggest contest is a raffle with prizes including two Ford E-Bikes, a new set of tires, and a Detailing Package, with all profits going to South Frontenac Community Services.
The highlight of the month will be the 90th anniversary community party on June 13, from 11am to 3pm. It will include classic cars, a Bouncy Castle and a BBQ, a magic show by Rob Driscoll, and features performances by Abby Stewart, and the Abrams
