Rodman Ford Foxboro Early Days 1960-1964

In an recent article titled, “Rodman Ford goes back to the future,” the Foxboro Reporter and Attleboro Sun Chronicle reported, “Rodman Ford is relocating to its original location at 53 Washington Street.” To someone reading this article whose life has not been ‘touch’ by the generosity of the Rodman family, the reader is led to believe that there were no earlier locations in the establishment of Rodman Ford.

Actually, prior to moving to the present location on Washington Street (Rte 1) Rodman Ford had been located at 5 Mechanic Street and 100 Central Street, near Foxboro Centre. The former became a Rodman dealership in July 1960 and the latter in May 1962.

The July 9, 1960 Foxboro Reporter stated, “Don Rodman is anxious to meet his new Foxboro friends and has opened the door to all to visit and meet the staff at the newly renovated establishment which houses one of the oldest Ford Dealerships started in the East when it was founded by George C. Collier, now retired… Mr. Rodman, a native of Dorchester, has spent his entire career in the automotive business from mechanic to salesman… A veteran of 4 years in the Army during World War II, he is married and makes his home in Canton with his wife and two sons."

Two years later, the May 17, 1962 Foxboro Reporter stated, “It was revealed last night that Rodman Ford Sales, Inc. of Mechanic Street has purchased the building and area formerly occupied by McKenzie Motors of Central Street.

Two months later, in July, Rodman Ford celebrated its 2 Year Anniversary. The nascent business which two years earlier employed nine employees had grown to a staff of twenty-one. The full page “Thank You! See How We Have Grown” in the July 12, 1962 Foxboro Reporter included a photograph of the staff. Pictured were Joe Cardinute, Jim Eastman, Tony Fasulo, Stan Markrush, Mary Curry, Mary Anzalone, Jerry Rodman, Don Rodman, Herb Harris, Lou Cabana, Mike Fallon, Gordon Sunderland, Al Collier, Bill Boyer, Bruce Peterson, Bill Miller, Eddie Peck, Chester Cutler, Bill Gibson, Steve Nimtroski and George Farris.

Two years later, in1964, Don and Gerry's continued success enabled them to expand to a new location on Route One, the present location of Rodman Ford, the location referenced in aforementioned news articles.

Christmas Watchfulness & Vigilance: Past & Present

Christmas historically is a time that many give thanks and appreciation to those who provide the many private and public
services that are the woven into the fabric of our daily lives. These neighbors, friends and citizens are called to a vocation of vigilance and watchfulness while we work, sleep and play.

For thus says my Lord to me:
"Go, station a watchman, let him tell what he sees."
The watchman cried, "On the watchtower, O my Lord, I stand constantly by
day;
and I stay at my post through all the watches of the night."
"Upon your walls ... I have stationed watchmen; never, by day or by night,
shall they be silent."- Isaiah 21:6, 8, 62:6

In the United States the existence of a city or local police department is rarely given a second thought. In the countries
recovering from the civil turmoil of the “Arab Spring” a respectable, dependable police force is a priority for public safety. Those countries suffering from civil war and genocide it is only a dream, a dream that may take several generations to establish.

The origins Massachusetts’ city and local police departments can be traced back to 1631. The English system of sheriffs,
constables, and night watch were easily adapted to the colonies. The county sheriff, appointed by the governor, became the most important law enforcement agent particularly when the colonies remained small and primarily rural. The sheriff's duties included apprehending criminals, serving subpoenae, appearing in court and collecting taxes. The sheriff was paid a fixed amount for each task he performed. Since sheriffs received higher fees based on the taxes they collected, apprehending criminals was not a primary concern. In fact, law enforcement was a low priority.

In the larger cities and towns, such as Boston, New York and Philadelphia constables and the night watch conducted a wide variety of tasks. The night watch reported fires, raised the hue and cry, maintained street lamps, arrested or detained suspicious persons, and walked the rounds.

This Christmas let us be watchful and vigilant of the many gifts of family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and especially those who are the eyes for those who peacefully sleep.