Longtime Monrovia automotive business, Ward Service, will celebrate 90 years of business on November 2nd, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with classic cars on display, celebrity guests, and live music at 130 Railroad Avenue in Monrovia. The event is open to the public and parking will be available at the Park & Ride lot on S. Myrtle Avenue.
The celebratory event celebrates Ward Service's longevity as a family-owned, family-run business from its 1923 inception through economic recessions, gasoline wars, war-time rationing, and a forced relocation to build the 210 freeway in Pasadena. Now run by the fourth generation, Ward Service is one of the oldest family-run automotive businesses in California.
"Ward Service has outlasted many of its competitors by holding fast to its family values and strong work ethic," notes Tom Ward, 3rd generation owner of the business. "When other service stations and tow companies closed at night, our service stations and tow trucks were operating, helping thousands of stranded motorists to get home safely. When you employ your family to run a business, you get an extra level of commitment that you can't always expect from employees."
The 90th anniversary party will showcase Ward Service's 'preferred status' as classic and antique car mechanics with customers and celebrity media displaying their prized classic cars. "We will have a classic rock band entertaining our guests, a taco truck, cupcakes, popcorn and snow cones," states Office Manager Melanie Ward. "We want to create an old-time feel for our event to celebrate and honor our 90-year heritage."
On display will be classic motorcycles, Hot Rods from the 20s to the 70s, antique cars, muscle cars, NHRA race cars, rare and unusual vehicles, and a high-wheeler bicycle for the public to view. Owner Jim Ward says, "Many of the vehicles are owned by our customers and we are proud to include them as part of our 90th Anniversary gala. To entertain our guests, we will be doing an engine blow with the local Fire Department. Later, we will hold a raffle with some large gift prizes that auto fans are sure to enjoy. All proceeds from the raffle will go to the Monrovia Fire Department to help them restore one of their antique fire trucks."
During Ward Service's long history (78 years of those years in Pasadena and 12 in Monrovia), the Wards have served as civic and auto industry leaders giving back to their community. Organizations they have served in leadership include Pasadena's lauded Tournament of Roses, the Pasadena Lions Club, Pasadena Optimists Club, Pasadena Junior Chamber and Pasadena Quarterbacks Club. Additionally, they have led their industry with fourth generation owners Mike and Tom Ward serving terms as president of the local chapter of the Automotive Service Council and the California Tow Truck Association. Today, fourth generation owner Jim Ward continues that heritage as president of ASCCA, after serving as president of the Rotary Club's Monrovia chapter and on the board member of the Santa Anita Family YMCA.
"We've built a heritage of community service throughout the generations of automotive business," says Jim Ward. "We look forward to keeping that tradition alive with the same family values that have served us through the past 90 years."
For more information on the Ward Service's 90th Anniversary event, please contact Melanie Ward at: (626) 357-8080 or email: jim@wardservice.com. For more information on Ward Service, please go to: www.wardservice.com.
Source: Ward Service press release
- Brad Haugaard
