History of Tom Oates Chevrolet
In April of 1973, Tom Oates, Sr. purchased the dealership from Elwood Rittenbaugh, who had established the Chevrolet franchise here in 1922. Tom, along with his wife, Christine, started to build the business with the assistance of two of Elwood's employees, Bob Billingham and Betty Rittenbaugh. After remolding the facility Tom started a leasing and daily rental business in the adjacent stone house. In January of 1981, Tom Oates, Jr. joined his father in the business after working at various dealerships in Texas and Michigan.
Tragically, Tom Sr. died of cancer on his 50th birthday, October 30 1985. Tom. Jr. and his mother, Christine set out to keep the business in the family. Tom became Dealer and President; Christine, Vice-President and Office Manager. With the help of Tom's wife Susan and his brother Greg as well as key employees Scott Richards and Kim Patton, the dealership continued the tradition of a good small town business. Expansion to the current building took place in 1989.
Along the way Tom Oates Chevrolet had been recognized by GM with many awards and service honors. The Dealership continues to support the community through organizations like the Lionville YMCA, Chester Springs Library, Central Chester County Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce. Our employees live in
the communities we service and take pride in their work.
Our Dealership family looks forward to serving you and your vehicles with Tom Oates Chevrolet tradition of fairness, value and expertise.
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Original Structure "Anselma Garage"
This is the first picture of the original structure as it was being built, dated 1918, the garage was known as "Anselma Garage" before becoming a franchised Chevrolet Dealership. |
Rittenbaugh Chevrolet
This picture was taken in 1973, just prior to being purchased by Tom Oates Sr.
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Tom Oates Chevrolet circa 1974
This was the first postcard mailed to customers. |
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Tom Oates Chevrolet and Stone House circa 1989
In 1989 the dealership and the stone house (on the right) were connected to create the current dealership with showroom. |
1973 Employment Ad
This was our first ever advertisement, run by Bob Billingham. Bob was the Sales and Service Manager. |
Early ad for used cars (1973) |
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| Another ad for used cars (1973) |
Our first new car advertisement (1973) |
Tom Oates Chevrolet's 20th Anniversary
These Long-time employees of Tom Oates Chevrolet were honored at a recognition party. Pictured L-R:
Betty Rittenbaugh, Tom Oates Jr., Greg Oates, Kim Patton, Scott Richards and Christine
Steege Oates. |
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| Tom Oates Chevrolet's 20th Anniversary newspaper clip |
Another used car ad from the 70's |
Four Wheel Rally ad |
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| Four Wheel Drive Event |
Ad War fun
Unger Chevrolet (Phoenixville) referred to Tom Oates Chevrolet as " Watsisname" in an article (featured top). Tom Oates Chevrolet responded with the fun ads shown. Note: Unger Chevrolet no longer runs ads or sells vehicles. |
"The Great Truck Sales War on Route 113"
Penske and Tom Oates Chevolet "price war" ads. There was much fun to be had in the newspapers during these times. Note: Penske no longer runs ads or sells trucks on Route 113. |
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| More of "The Great Truck Sales War on Route 113" |
Tom Oates and the Community
Tom Oates Chevrolet has a long history of being involved with the well being of the Chester Springs community, loaning trucks for local clean up activities as well as making donations to local youth organizations. |
Court action to change our 4-Wheel Rally route |
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| Truck sale advertisement |
Used Car advertisement |
Hallemans General Store |
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| Sign of Chester Springs |
