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26 October 2024 NHTownCrier.com

NEW HARTFORD

PAST TIMES October 2024
May 2022

NEW HARTFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Western Auto

Today’s choices for automotive parts and supplies are available in a variety of ways. Besides
purchasing OEM from your local car dealerships and on-line from a plethora of sources, after-
market parts and accessories are available from a wide range of retail outlets. Advance Auto
Parts, Auto Zone, Fisher Auto Parts (formerly Genuine Auto), Napa Auto Parts, O’Reilly Auto
Parts, United Auto Supply, and even WalMart.
Amateur mechanics and tinkerers have been fiddling with their automobiles since Henry Ford’s
first model rolled off his assembly line. However, stores where parts were readily available for
the do-it-yourselfers were sparse. But as America’s love affair with the automobile grew, so did
the availability of spare parts and accessories. One of those stores from times gone by was the
Western Auto located at 6 Pearl Street (next door to Winn’s ESSO).

Western Auto was owned and operated by Charles A. Upham and later by his son Curtiss
“Curt” Upham. Charles was born in January of 1913 to Herbert and Kittie (nee Allport) Upham. He
would open the store circa 1950 and run it alongside his wife Winifred (Perin) whom he married
in Camden, NY in February of 1937. Unlike today’s auto parts stores, Western Auto sold much
more including bicycles and bicycle accessories, models (cars, trucks, ships, etc.) and scores of
toys and other items. In 1970, during the Villages Centennial celebration, Curt and Western Auto
sponsored a large children’s bike race. Curt was a 15-year member of the New Hartford Fire
Department where he would earn the rank of 1 Deputy Chief.
st
The store would be closed in 1974 when Curt took a job with New York State which required BECOME A
him to relocate out of the area. MEMBER!
Please stop in to visit us and
consider becoming a member.
Membership fees are $15 for
Individual, $20 for families, $25 for
Friend/Contributor and $50 for
Corporate members. The Historical
Society is a non-profit, tax
deductible organization.

Planning a
Class Reunion?

Make the Historical Society
Museum a part of your itinerary!
Schedule the Saturday of your
reunion for your group to explore
our collection of yearbooks, scrap
books, local relics and photos. Look
up your New Hartford home!
Call 315-724-7258 to schedule
your group.

Museum is Open
Clinton Courier Ad - Oct 1973
To the Public

Currently by appointment.

FREE ADMISSION
New Hartford Historical Society
~ Membership Form ~ Village Point Apt. Building
Please check one of the following:
2 Paris Road – 315-724-7258
[ ] $15 Individual Name:
oo
[ ] $20 Family Address:
oo
[ ] $25 Contributing
oo
oo
[ ] $50 Corporate Phone:
E-Mail:
[ ] Renewal
[ ] New Member Please send check made payable to:
Clinton Courier Ad - 1958
New Hartford Historical Society
P.O. Box 238
New Hartford, N.Y. 13413
Utica Daily Press August 1953 Advertisement