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STORY INDEX

Introduction

Population of Indiana's northeast counties
grew by 81 percent this century

Tracking railroads:
Since 1900, number of local lines reduced from five to two

Longtime area auto dealers have 'seen it all'

Amish continue long-held traditions
- except on safety issues

Cars accelerate lives of Noble County residents

The price of cars: How much did it cost to drive one off the lot?

Electric Interurban connected area to Fort Wayne, beyond

LaGrange residents rally to save historic brick streets

U.S. 6, Ind. 3: Kendallville's routes to growth

Agriculture ever-changing, advancing in Noble County

Comparisons: How far did the dollar stretch?

Growing onions, peppermint made 'scents' in early 1900s

The Gaby farm:
Family-owned and celebrating over 150 years

A changing culture impacts 4-H

County fair continues to be a big social event

Thriving through the times: Downtown Kendallville adapts to a century of changes

Dekko's philanthropy remains a 'valuable resource'

Rinkel family still at the wheel of Greenfield Hills

Commerce nothing new to Shipshewana: Town thrives as one of fastest-growing tourist areas in state

Making do during the Great Depression: Retired hatchery owner recalls tough times, bright moments

Mill a 'Star' business in Ligonier: Firm has been grinding wheat into flour for 113 years

Elmer E. McCray had a major impact on Kendallville

Richard R. Cole has long legacy

Female executive has seen many changes in workforce

Working women: From assisting war effort to competing in global markets

Wolcottville a center of commerce, industry in 1800s

Mongoquinong area was early LaGrange County commercial center

'The cheapest hired hand we ever had.' Electricity made life brighter, easier down on the farm

Monument company's history set in stone

Historic Corn School dates back to 1906

Longtime area auto dealers have 'seen it all'

By JOE POTTER
The News-Sun

ALBION - A couple of longtime Noble County auto dealers have seen many changes in the buying and selling of automobiles over the years.


Ernest E. "Ernie" Leatherman, co-owner of Ernie Leatherman Sales Co. of Albion, and Max Platt, owner of Max Platt Ford-Lincoln-Mercury of Kendallville, have a combined 83 years of experience in the automobile business.


Ernie Leatherman and his two brothers, Everett D. Leatherman and Donald C. Leatherman, began selling and servicing Studebaker cars and trucks in April 1949 at a new building they constructed in the 1000 block of East Main Street in Albion.


They purchased Studebakers through Kenny Gardner at the Publix Studebaker and Buick dealership in Kendallville from 1949-1955 and sold them at the Albion location. Also, they did a lot of service work on milk haulers, heavy trucks and passenger cars.


The Leatherman brothers obtained their own Studebaker dealership in 1956 and operated it until Studebaker ceased production in 1966.


In 1959, they also became a Ford dealership, and sold both Studebakers and Fords.


His two brothers are no longer involved in the business, Ernie Leatherman said. They sold out their interests to him and his son, David Leatherman, in 1977.


David Leatherman, now a certified public accountant, is no longer a co-owner, but still helps his father in operating the business.


Their Ford dealership closed in the winter of 1991 when a downsizing resulted in 2,500 Ford dealerships closing nationwide. "I was disappointed when the Ford dealership closed. It really hurt for a while there, but we decided we had to go on," Leatherman said, referring to himself and his wife, Virginia, who co-owns Ernie Leatherman Sales Co.

Leatherman and his wife incorporated Ernie Leatherman Sales Co. in January 1992.


The business is now located across the street from its original location.


Platt purchased the former Johnny Roman Ford dealership in the 500 block of South Main Street in Kendallville in July 1973.


Prior to purchasing the dealership, Platt had worked for Bob Miller Ford in Waterloo. He began there as a salesman when he was a teen-ager and worked his way up to general manager.


Platt later added the Lincoln and Mercury lines to his dealership in Kendallville.


"There's a special excitement level when I see a customer and his family drive away in a new car," Platt said.


He has "seen it all" during the 26 years he has owned his dealership, Platt said.


Interest rates in 1981 were as high as 21 percent for people who wanted to buy a car. Also, during that time period, gasoline went from 50 cents a gallon to $1.30 a gallon, causing the automobile manufacturers to work harder to increase fuel economy ratings on vehicles, he said.


Vehicles have become safer and more comfortable over the years, and there has been a lot of growth in the sales of pickup trucks, Platt said.


"When I started out, most families had one vehicle. Most families now have two vehicles and lots of times one of them is a truck," Platt said.