1910
1940's
1950's
1960's
1970's
1980's
1990's
Our earliest recollection of an existing Ford dealership was in 1910. Jim Barrack was the owner of the Ford dealership which operated out of Samson Hardware on Turner Street.
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In 1946 or 1947, Jim Barrack sold the dealership to Dan Lahman and the business was moved to the 300 block of Second Avenue becoming Dan Lahman Motors.
Late in 1950, Dan Lahman sold the dealership to Lyle Clay. About a year and a half later, Lyle Clay sold the dealership back to Dan Lahman.
About this time, the dealership was relocated several times. First, in 1952, it was moved to 10th and Barnett. Next, in 1953, it was moved to the 1900 block on Cushman in a building owned by Bob Mitchell. Then, in 1954, the dealership was moved again, down the street to the 1800 block. (Note: the Cushman Street buildings are across the street from Tip Top Chevrolet and Gene's Auto anda are used by those Dealers today.)
In 1955, Dan Lahman sold the dealership to Lonnie Hall and his partner George Nehrbas. The business was moved back to the Second Avenue location on the corner of 2nd and Noble Streets. It was named Noble Street Motors.
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In the early 60's, Lonnie Hall bought out George Nehrbas. After the death of Lonnie Hall in April 1969, Jim Thompson purchased the business and the dealership was renamed Jim Thompson Ford Sales.
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In 1973, Jim Thompson moved the business to 530 Steese Highway. In August, 1977 Ralph Seekins purchased the business from Jim Thompson with the help of Don Chandler. The business was renamed Seekins Ford-Lincoln, Inc. of which Ralph Seekins later became the sole owner.
Mr. Seekins was born in Duluth, Minnesota. He attended Wheaton College in Illinois. In 1968 he moved to Elmer City, Washington where he worked for Green Truck and Equipment as a welder/mechanic. Married in 1969 he and his wife, Connie, moved to Seattle. In 1970, he began working in retail sales for William O, McKay Co., a Ford dealership , and he was promoted to Fleet Manager and Manager of First National Auto Lease. In 1974, Mr. Seekins moved his family to Fairbanks to accept the position of Sales Manager working for Jim Thompson Ford Sales prior to his purchasing the business in 1977. He and his wife, Connie, have four children: Aaron, Benjamin, Andrea, and Beth.
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The construction of a new building began in 1982. Upon completion in December, 1982, the business was moved to it's present location: 1625 Old Steese Highway, later renamed "Seekins
Ford Drive".
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Still "Right Here" and growing - in 1990, a large addition was built and a Quick Lane Department was added along with the expansion, relocation and addition of other department within the dealership
Seekins Ford will continue to grow and continues to build not only buildings but good relationships with its employees and its customers. This is an impressive reflection of the loyalty, ability and dedication our employees have shown over the years we have been in business
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Seekins Ford Lincoln has grown to become a premier Ford auto dealer in the region. Throughout our tenure we have strived to include the best possible customer service with top-notch repair/maintenance work and comprehensive new and used car, truck, minivan and SUV inventories.
Over the years, Seekins Ford Lincoln has grown in its current location, as we now offer Quicklane, Parts & Service Centers and a Special Finance Department. Whether you are in need of a new Ford automobile or parts / service for your current vehicle, Seekins Ford Lincoln of Fairbanks is here to assist you with all of your automotive needs!
At Seekins Ford Lincoln, we look forward to serving you, our valued customer, for years to come. Please stop by our dealership, located at 1625 Seekins Ford Dr, Fairbanks, AK and speak with one of our representatives today!