Columbus, KS Mitts Motors

Hi,

We live in Scotland and my wife has a 1967 Dodge Monaco station wagon that she bought in 2003 and shipped it back here in 2004.



We have all the paperwork for the car, including the original owners manual and certicard.

The car was built on 15th March, 1967 and delivered to the dealers on 30th March, 1967.

According to the owners manual the dealer was Mitts Motors, dealership number 58078.

As the car is approaching its 50th birthday, I was wondering if anyone had any information about this dealership and whether it was actually in Columbus, KS (as Columbus is a pretty small town)?

It would be a nice piece of history for a much loved car.

Any help appreciated.

All the best
Sandy

great looking wagon!

There were many small town dealerships back in the '60s-'70s, I'm sure this was one of them. ~25 miles outside of Joplin, MO.

Here's a current picture of the former location - looks like there are two condo/multi-family residences on the property today.

The town's "historical society" or library may have some vintage pics of the dealership

I'd also post this on the "general" board - maybe there is a local member

Hello Dan,

That is great information and thank you very much for it.

I have emailed the assistant city clerk and will wait to see if she replies.

What is really amazing is that the first owner lived on the corner of Minnesota Ave and W. Pine. about half a mile away.

The owner's manual has five of its first services in it and by April, 6th 1968 it had done 10,861 miles, so it was well used.

The wagon is MM1 in colour which is the Turbine Bronze metallic. Not sure if that is a rare colour or not?

Many thank again. If I get any information I will let you know.

All the best
Sandy

Hello Dan,

Just in case you were interested I had this reply from the Cherokee County Genealogical-Historical Library in Columbus, Kansas:-

"I found a newspaper article dated January 31, 1964 stating that John and Evert Mitts, owners and operators of the Mitts Brothers Garage at 925 W. Maple, have been granted the new car franchise for the sales and service of Chrysler, Dodge, Dart, Plymouth, Valiant and Dodge trucks in Columbus. Mitts Motors closed in 1972."

No photographs as yet though.

Thanks again.

All the best
Sandy

COOL INFO!! its all out there - you just have to look & look again