First Car Invoice

June 22, 1921 was no doubt an exciting day for Mr Henry C. Brown, as that was the day he purchased a brand new 1921 DODGE BROTHERS TOURING CAR  from Lewis Reed’s Rockville Garage. The car was sold for $1050.00 and signed for by Edgar Reed. The logos on the invoice are the original Dodge Brothers Motor Cars and Oldsmobile Sales Company logos. Initially, Reed Brothers sold Oldsmobile and Hudson, along with Dodge. The fact that the phone number was just ’67′ gives a real feeling of how different life was back then. (click images to enlarge)

Reed Brothers was franchised as a Dodge dealership and service facility in 1915; less than one year after the first Dodge automobile was made. In 1919, Lewis Reed’s brother Edgar joined him in the business. Reed Brothers Dodge was the first to sell Dodge cars in Montgomery County, Maryland.

original Dodge Brothers invoice

The 1921 Dodge Brothers Touring was born one year after the death of both Horace and John Dodge, who had teamed up to run a successful Detroit engine and transmission building venture before turning to car building in 1914. The new company almost immediately established a reputation for building solid, sturdy machines that were reliable and built to last.

1921 Dodge Brothers Touring

Picture of a 1921 Dodge Brothers Touring Car

6 responses to “First Car Invoice”

  1. Mike Brewer says :

    I found your site while researching Dodge Brothers history. I recently found out my Great Grandfather was a Dodge Bros dealer in central Illinois beginning in 1916. I have the original Dealer Agreement between he and the Dodge Bros corporation. Do you know if it has any monetary value and/or historical significance? Thanks

    Reply
    • Reed Brothers says :

      To my knowledge, a Dodge Brothers dealer agreement has no monetary value. It would, however, make a wonderful family keepsake to share with future generations that would provide them a glimpse of the past, and that your great grandfather played an important part of automotive history. Thank you for visiting our blog!

      Reply
  2. ROGER O SCHNEIDER says :

    I SEE THE DEALER ALSO SOLD HUDSON.I HAVE AN OLD HUDSON CAR FRAME. IT HAS FRONT FENDER BRACKETS ,SPRINGS, BATTERY BOX IN BACK OF FRAME,FRONT WHEELS WERE WOOD SPOKE BUT THEY ARE DECAYED. ALSO 2 REARS, ONE WITH STEEL SPOKES, SMALL HUBS SAY HUDSON SIX. ETC.WOULD YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON THIS? IF SO I WOULD APPRECIATE.

    Reply
    • Reed Brothers says :

      Hi Roger,

      I really wish I could help you, but unfortunately, I do not have any information regarding your question. Thanks for taking the time to visit and good luck in your search.

      Best Regards,
      Jeanne

      Reply
  3. Gayle says :

    My grandfather Charlie Ashdown told his family he put the first Dodge car together with the brothers. My father now deceased said his Father received a new Dodge car ( I think every 2 yrs) My grandfather was Australian and my Dad said that these cars would turn up out west in the middle of Western Australia fir him. The family home burnt down a long time ago so we have no records just a couple when he was working in Michigan for Ford. I’m not sure you can help with this but if you know of any of this history I would love to see it

    Reply
    • Reed Brothers says :

      Hello Gayle, Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to share your family’s story. Your grandfather’s association with the Dodge Brothers is wonderful! I’m sorry I can’t help you out with any further historical information. However, if you do happen to come across anything more about your grandfather’s place in history I would love to know!

      Sincerely and wishing you good health,
      Jeanne

      Reply

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