About the Author

Jeanne T. GartnerAbout the Author: Jeanne Gartner

Welcome to Reed Brothers Dodge History. I am Jeanne Gartner—the author, historian, and curator behind this digital archive.

This project is a deeply personal endeavor dedicated to preserving the legacy of my grandfather, Lewis Reed, who founded Reed Brothers Dodge in 1915. Established less than one year after the first Dodge automobile rolled off the assembly line, the dealership became a Rockville landmark that stood for nearly a century. My mission is to ensure that the stories of the people, the cars, and the community that defined this era are never forgotten.

Award-Winning Preservation

My commitment to documenting our local heritage has been recognized at the highest level of community preservation. In 2016, I was honored by Peerless Rockville with the Arthur M. Wagman Award for Historic Preservation Communication.

In recognition of my work in preserving local history, this award was presented for both this blog and my book, Portrait of an Automobile Dealer. The Wagman Award honors individuals who elevate public awareness of Rockville’s cultural and architectural heritage through education and communication; a mission that remains at the heart of every article and photograph I share.

A Life of Service and Storytelling

Before becoming the guardian of the Reed Brothers legacy, I served for 30 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant. That sense of duty translated into my post-military life; upon retiring in 2006, I returned home to the family business, eventually finding my true calling as the family historian.

Much of the rich detail found on this site was born from hours spent with my mother, Mary Jane (Reed) Gartner. Together, we cataloged hundreds of vintage photographs and documents, which were captured by my grandfather, Lewis Reed, a prolific photographer who documented the changing landscape of Maryland and Virginia.

Beyond the Blog: Books & Exhibits

I believe that history is meant to be shared through as many lenses as possible. My work extends beyond this blog into published volumes and public education:

  • Published Works: I have authored two major collections:
    • Portrait of An Automobile Dealer (Fourth Edition)
    • Lewis Reed Photograph Collection (1898-1960) (Second Edition)
  • Curated Online Exhibits: In collaboration with Montgomery History, I have co-curated three featured collections:
    1. Reed Brothers Dodge: Montgomery County’s Oldest Dodge Dealership
    2. Montgomery County, Then and Now: Photography of Lewis Reed and Barry Gartner
    3. Montgomery County, 1900-1930: Through the Lens of Lewis Reed
  • Public Speaking: I share my knowledge of Reed Brothers Dodge and local history through speaking engagements as a participant in the Montgomery County Historical Society Speakers Bureau.

To Connect the Past to the Future

In an era of corporate consolidation, the era of the “neighborhood” dealership is fading. By maintaining this archive, I provide a resource for:

  • Historians seeking to understand 20th-century American commerce.
  • Mopar Enthusiasts looking for the authentic roots of the Dodge brand.
  • Rockville Residents who want to reconnect with the heritage of the place they call home.

History is only as permanent as the people willing to tell it. This blog is my way of ensuring the “Dodge Boys” and the community they built stay on the road for generations to come.

Explore the Archives: