A Birthday Tribute to My Mother, Mary Jane (Reed) Gartner
Mary Jane (Reed) Gartner September 24, 1922 – September 10, 2019
On September 24, 1922, Mary Jane (Reed) Gartner was born into a family whose name would become part of Rockville’s history. The daughter of Lewis Reed, founder of Reed Brothers Dodge, she came of age in the midst of a family business that spanned almost 100 years and three generations. Today, on her birthday, I dedicate this post to her memory.
It is impossible for me not to pause and reflect on what an extraordinary person she was. Like many, I have a handful of people in my life who truly inspire me, and my mom is at the very top of that list. From the earliest days of my life, she instilled in me a fundamental belief: if I set my mind to something, I could achieve it. She often said that “anything worth doing, is worth doing well,” and that motto has been a guiding light in everything I pursue. More than once, she reminded me that there is “no such thing as “can’t.” I should always look for reasons why I “can”. Because of that, I became fearless in reinventing myself as life changed, always striving to meet new challenges head-on.
One of the greatest joys of my adult life was the time we spent together exploring family history. On many afternoon visits with her, we went through hundreds of old photographs and stories that connected us to generations past. Many of the photographs had no documentation, so I relied on her remarkable memory; who the people were, where it was taken, the stories behind the faces. Those afternoons of listening and learning shaped the foundation of the books I’ve written and many of the posts I’ve shared on this blog. Without her willingness to share those details, the history I’ve documented would not be the same.
My mother carried the heart and energy of someone far younger. She never let age define what she could or couldn’t do. At 90 years old, she joined Facebook, and she didn’t stop there; she became a Skyper, a Texter, and easily navigated both iPhone and a Windows PC. Her fearless embrace of technology, when most would shy away, was inspiring to everyone around her. She proved that it’s never too late to learn something new.
Throughout my life, my mother was always my greatest supporter. She celebrated every achievement with pride, and one of my most cherished memories is having her in the audience in 2016 when I received the Arthur M. Wagman Award for Historic Preservation Communication from Peerless Rockville. The ceremony was held at Glenview Mansion, and while the recognition was a tremendous honor, what made it unforgettable was sharing it with her. As I looked out into the audience and saw her smile, I felt her joy. In that moment I knew the award wasn’t just mine, it was ours.
On this day, as I honor her birthday, I think of the countless ways she shaped my life. She taught me resilience, curiosity, and the importance of honoring the past while embracing the future. She lived with grace, humor, and a spirit that never grew old. Though I can no longer see her smile or hear her voice, I carry her with me every day in the lessons she taught, the love she gave, and the memories that continue to guide and inspire me.
13 Years, 488 Posts & Thank You
This month marks the 13-year anniversary of this blog. It’s been an honor to share the history of Reed Brothers Dodge – whether you’ve read our blog, followed us on “X” (Twitter), or “liked” us on Facebook. I would like to thank all of you who have visited, followed, shared, or commented on this blog, and many others, for their kind words and the visibility they have provided.
Here’s a look back at the last year.
What People are Saying Around Facebook:
“Amazing blog and postings. I spent sometime reviewing your site and found it both fascinating and interesting.”
“I am thankful for the documentation this site provides with images of a beloved hometown that can no longer be seen.”
“Love seeing the old photos.”
“This is soooo cool! Someone needs to do one of those historical books of Historical Rockville photos!”
“These photos are absolutely awesome!!!”
“Thank you so much for sharing! This is classic Montgomery County info.”
“That was so cool reading all your memory posts. Best thing I’ve read on FB in a while.”
“I love seeing these old photos and reading the history. Thank you.”
“Thank you for this history. There is so much we take for granted.”
“Great historical photos from Reed Bros.”
Past Lectures:
History Conversations: The History of Reed Brothers Dodge
with Jeanne Gartner September 24, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. | Virtual Event |
The presentation features a unique collection of rare photographs taken by the dealership’s founder, Lewis Reed, and highlights how Reed Brothers Dodge came into being, and how the company overcame the inevitable changes and challenges throughout almost a century of being in business.
The email below was forwarded to me from Montgomery History who sponsored my virtual presentation on The History of Reed Brothers Dodge. 
First Baptist Church of Rockville Senior Group Talk
Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. | On Location |
Presentation on the history of Reed Brothers Dodge as part of Montgomery History’s Speakers Bureau at the First Baptist Church of Rockville. A personal history for me, as well as community history for Montgomery County and the city of Rockville. Thanks to Ministry Assistant, Melanie Blankenship who invited me to speak.
New Online Exhibit: Reed Brothers Dodge: Montgomery County’s Oldest Dodge Dealership
I appreciate all of you for your continued support and making Reed Brothers Dodge History one of the places you visit during the course of your day.
Remembering My Mom on Mother’s Day
In honor of Mother’s Day, I would like to dedicate this blog to the memory of my mother who passed away on September 10, 2019. Her father, Lewis Reed, was the founder of Reed Brothers Dodge of Rockville – a family business that would be carried out for 97 years and three generations.
It’s hard for me not to reflect on what an amazing person she was. As with most people, I have a few people in my life who really inspire me, and my mom is one of them. Her absence is part of my daily life now. At some point every day, I think I should call her and have to remind myself I can no longer do this. But I can keep her memory alive by sharing a few recent stories about her.
Apple Cider Time!
In the autumn months, a weekly visit with mom to Lewis Orchard Farm Market in Dickerson, Maryland for some apples and cider was a weekly ritual. Then over to Bassett’s in Poolesville for dinner. She was always happy to get out and enjoy the beautiful fall days and the sights outside.
Did Someone Say “Happy Hour?”
We celebrated mom’s 93rd birthday at Bassett’s Fine Food & Spirits in Poolesville, one of her favorite restaurants.
Rosemary Pasek and mom enjoying a happy 93rd birthday toast
Celebrating mom’s 94th birthday at Arties in Fairfax. Baby back ribs and cheesecake dessert for the birthday girl!
The Saturday Lunch Bunch
Saturday lunches were something that my mom and her friends at Asbury Methodist Village always looked forward to. They had a lot of fun taking turns choosing which restaurant they would go to each Saturday. I always tried to have an annual summer cookout for them down at my place. Simple pleasures mean so much more these days, and grilling out was always a big hit.
Below, we are enjoying a cookout on my back porch with mom and three of her friends. Burgers, beer brats, baked beans, potato salad, marinated asparagus, and homemade key lime pie were on the menu. Three of them in their 90s, doing with gusto whatever it is that gives them joy. I miss these small, but very meaningful times. Hard to believe that this was only 8 years ago.
Left to Right: Jane Sween, Mary Jane Gartner, Polly Conners and Rosemary Pasek.
“What’s Your Excuse?”
The photo gallery below could be titled, “what’s your excuse?” This is my mom at 94 years of age going through her exercise routine at the Asbury Village Wellness Center. Great job mom!
My #1 Fan
My mom has always been my #1 fan. I was so very proud to have had her in the audience on November 18, 2016 when I was recognized with the Arthur M. Wagman Award for Historic Preservation Communication by Peerless Rockville for my blog and book documenting the history of Reed Brothers Dodge. The ceremony was held at Glenview Mansion, one of Rockville’s most beautiful historic properties. It was a tremendous honor for me to receive this award, but more importantly, share this special occasion with my mother. I saw my mom in the audience. I saw her smile and I felt her joy.
Never Too Late to Learn Something New
My mom has always been an active person and had the heart and mind of someone 20 years younger. She was 90 years old when she joined Facebook! She was not only a Facebook friend, but a Skyper, a Texter and could navigate an iPhone and Windows 8! I could have not possibly been more proud of her.
Recalling a Wonderful Life
I have been fortunate to have spent the last 10+ years experiencing the best friendship ever with my mother. One of my greatest joys was looking through all of my grandfather’s photographs along with my mother. On many afternoon visits with her, we went through hundreds of photographs and wrote down names, dates, and locations to the best of her recollection. We were able to relive the highlights of her life together; it was a very special time. This weekly activity, working together with her sharing memories and photos about previous generations, has been one of the greatest joys of my adult life.
Watching my mom’s eyes light up when I gave her the first proof book of her father’s entire photograph collection — 350 pages and 2500+ photographs — was a beautiful thing to see. True magic happened when she opened that book and started looking through the pictures. The book was a monumental task, and almost 10 years in the making, but it had a monumental reward at the end. Bringing out all those cherished memories for my mother was truly a celebration of her life.
Near the end of her life, I came to understand what a strong person my mother was. My mother had grit, warmth, a positive outlook on life, and an independent streak that served her well during the last years of her life.
Grateful for Beautiful Memories
When it comes right down to it, all we have are memories. You don’t have to travel or go far away to make memories; it can be as simple as a trip to the orchard or a Saturday afternoon brunch. I miss my mother, but I am forever grateful for the beautiful memories she left me. I find it helps to take the perspective that I didn’t really lose her. I know exactly where she is and where she’ll always be. She is alive in my memories and the link to all the history I share on this blog.
Mom, this is for you… Happy Heavenly Mother’s Day!
Honoring a Legacy
When Lewis Reed opened his Dodge dealership 106 years ago in October 1915, he never knew he was starting a family tradition that would be carried out for 97 years and three generations. Since then, the business grew and transformed from a small-scale garage and dealership into one of the largest and most recognized commercial enterprises on Rockville Pike.
Lewis and Edgar Reed’s business philosophy was simple:
Treat your customer as your friend and always do what you promise.
1915 Rockville Garage located at the intersection of Veirs Mill Road and Rockville Pike The original owners of Rockville Garage are standing in front. From left: Lewis Reed – Roy Warfield – Griffith Warfield.
The photo above shows the Rockville Garage where Lewis Reed got his start by becoming a partner with Robert L. and Griffith Warfield in 1914. The Warfield brothers had purchased this building in July 1915, from Lee Ricketts and Sons who had the Overland Agency. In 1917, Lewis Reed bought out the Warfield brothers’ interest and continued the business until 1919 when he was joined by his brother, Edgar. The firm’s name was changed to Reed Brothers upon a suggestion of the late Judge Edward C. Peter.
Reed Brothers handled the first Dodge cars placed on the market in Montgomery County, Maryland. The company continued for two generations later under the Gartner family and sold tens of thousands of cars to generations of local drivers. The late George M. Hunter, President of the Montgomery County National Bank, purchased the first automobile sold by the Rockville Garage.
1916 – The original owners of Rockville Garage. From left: Roy Warfield – Lewis Reed – Griffith Warfield
Initially, Reed Brothers sold Oldsmobile and Hudson along with Dodge. The first Plymouth was built in 1928 and Plymouths were sold at Reed Brothers from 1930 until 1969, when the Plymouth car was given to the Chrysler dealers. In 1928, when Walter P. Chrysler took over after Horace and John Dodge died, Lewis Reed became an original member of the Chrysler family. By 1929, when the stock market crashed and Great Depression began, nobody could afford to buy cars. Like most other businesses, the Great Depression hit hard and Reed Brothers had to rely on its Service Department to make ends meet. But, the dealership survived through these lean times.
During World War II, Reed Brothers Dodge had virtually no new cars to sell for three and a half years. Tires and parts were rationed. Strict price ceilings governed used-car sales. Used cars were really hard to find, because people couldn’t afford to give them up. So, most dealerships had to rely on their service and parts departments to fix the cars people couldn’t replace. Empty showrooms were a problem. When manufacturers halted car production and many dealers went bankrupt, Lewis Reed converted his car showroom into a display room and sold GE washing machines, Westinghouse Radios, and other large appliances to fill the gap.
The dealership survived The Great Depression, World War II, the first Chrysler Bailout and resurgence under Lee Iacocca, the sale of Chrysler to Daimler and the sale to the private equity firm Cerberus. Reed Brothers has, in fact, survived everything but Chrysler itself. Whether a franchise is run by a second- or third-generation dealer or is older than even Chrysler itself didn’t seem to matter when Chrysler decided to cut dealership ranks during their 2009 bankruptcy process. After almost 95 years selling Dodges, Reed Brothers was one of the 15 dealerships in Maryland and 789 dealerships nationwide notified by Chrysler that their franchise agreement would not be renewed.
The dealership’s historical legacy continues to this day on the site of its former location at 15955 Frederick Road in Rockville, which is now the Bainbridge Shady Grove Metro Apartments. Bainbridge Shady Grove Metro Apartments pays homage to this history with commemorative art on the former site of the iconic Reed Brothers Dodge dealership.
Tom Keady, President of the Bainbridge Companies said:
Honoring the rich historical legacy of this site was extremely important to us. With the sculpture and the floor plan names, our residents and visitors feel a real connection to the site’s past, and we pay tribute to Reed Brothers Dodge’s role in creating a vibrant Rockville.
A sculpture now installed on the property pays tribute to the oldest Dodge dealership in Maryland history. More than 20 feet high, and over 6 feet wide, the public art is inspired by 1939 Dodge headlamps and the fender of a 1957 Dodge pickup truck. Along with the sculpture, a set of Hemi Piston street lamps line the walkway towards the metro station. Historical elements have been incorporated into the interior design of the development which carries out a common theme of dealership history and automobiles.
Bainbridge Shady Grove Metro Apartments now stands on the former site of the Reed Brothers Dodge dealership at 15955 Frederick Road. A sculpture now installed on the property pays tribute to the oldest Dodge dealership in Maryland history.
Blog Milestone: 300K Page Views
If you ever glance at the blog view counter on the right side of this page, you might have noticed that this blog just went over 300,000 views. After reaching this milestone, I would like to take the time to thank all of you who have visited, followed, shared, or commented on this blog. Visitors to this site on a daily basis continue to grow — we have been visited by folks from all fifty of the United States and 187 different countries world wide.
I have often been asked why I started this blog. For me, it’s because history is important. Sometimes we don’t know we need to do something until it’s handed to us, and once we have it, we suddenly see and feel its value. As we were getting ready to close the doors to the dealership for the last time in May 2012, I was standing in the empty showroom thinking about all the history, past achievements, and hardships the dealership had endured over the years. Few businesses can say they’ve lasted almost a century. It seemed a particularly pertinent time to start thinking about such a project, as it was a time of reminiscence, but also looking forward.
When I stop to think about what Reed Brothers Dodge has experienced over the last century, from World War I, The Great Depression, World War II, to three economic recessions, two energy crises, and numerous Chrysler setbacks — including the first Chrysler Bailout, the sale of Chrysler to Daimler, and the sale to the private equity firm Cerberus — I could not be more proud to be a part of such an amazing story. It takes resilience to weather 97 years in business. The dealership adapted itself multiple times in order to survive. Through the good times and the bad, Reed Brothers Dodge held on and prospered.
I felt it was important to take the time to ensure our history remained accessible for those who read it years from now, or decades from now, when I or other family members who know the story firsthand are no longer around to tell it. How Reed Brothers Dodge came into being, and how the company overcame the inevitable changes and challenges throughout almost a century of being in business — all adds up to a great story.
Creating this blog and sharing our business history has been the most rewarding endeavor of my life. I appreciate all of you for your continued support and making Reed Brothers Dodge History one of the places you visit during the course of your day.
Thanks for reading!
Jeanne Gartner, Blog Author
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Reed Brothers Dodge History (1915-2012) by Jeanne Gartner is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License.
Reed Brothers Dodge History 1915 – 2012 
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