The History of the Automotive Retailers Association

The 1954 ARA Convention

The illustrious history of the ARA has been preserved on the pages of the association's newsletters and magazines throughout the years, which actually go back as far as the 1940's - pre-dating the association itself. More recently, a column titled "The history of a successful trade association" has appeared in each issue of the ARA News since the series was begun by Ron Baldwin, in the Winter 2008 edition. Ron was a former Executive Director of the ARA.

Sadly, Ron passed away in August, 2009. But the History of the ARA series he began has been continued by Phil Singer. Phil was a long-time ARA member himself and is very passionate about the value of the association to the industry it serves. There are so many events, accomplishments, faces and names from the past that must not be forgotten, so each instalment recalls a year or two with some nostalgia from the times thrown in for posterity.

We present here, for your perusal, the completed instalments to date, in PDF format:

• Chapter One - Setting the stage: From the Great Depression (1920's) to Post-war times
• Chapter Two - The early 1950's: Disgruntled service station owners have reason to organize
• Chapter Three - The founding members of the ARA
• Chapter Four - Fledgling association sets up shop, immediately called upon to defend members
• Chapter Five - Trade Divisions form, early activities
• Chapter Six - many accomplishments and much enthusiasm mark the end of the 1950's (final chapter by Ron Baldwin)
• In Memoriam - Ron Baldwin, September 2, 1921 - August 20, 2009
• Chapter Seven - The early 1960's (first chapter by Phil Singer)
• Chapter Eight - 1961: ARA contributes in federal investigation into oil company practices
• Chapter Nine - 1962: More than 600 attend AGM, Auto Wrecker Division forms
• Chapter Ten - Late 1962 and into 1963: A Parking Lot Division? ARA leads NATA to a body of resolutions
• Chapter Eleven - Early 1963: NATA and ARA active on gas marketing issues, compulsory certification of mechanics, ARP published flat rate manual
• Chapter Twelve - BC body shops pressured for discounts by insurance companies, ARA influences minimum wage hearings
• Chapter Thirteen - 1964: ARA testifies at Royal Commission hearings on gasoline marketing, ARA commends provincial vehicle safety inspections
• Chapter Fourteen - BC government introduces mobile vehicle inspection units
• Chapter Fifteen - Early 1965: BC service station operators move to stop offering charge accounts to customers
• Chapter Sixteen - ARA recognizes Lloyd Kinneard for 15 years of service

More to come.

Related Information:

• About the ARA
• How to Join the ARA

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