It all started in 1847…

In 1847, a 19 year old man named Wesley Hare set out in the earnest quest of earning a living. In the type of business which appealed to him most, he cast his lot - wagon maker. There was no machinery to help him. With his broad ax, mallet, chisel, augers and like tools, he did his work. It was a slow business, but he persevered. He opened a shop in Noblesville, and from a very small beginning, it gradually grew to one of the largest carriage and wagon making companies of the Midwest. In 1849, Wesley moved his business, Carriage and Wagon Works, to a frame building on the southwest corner of 10th and Conner Streets in downtown Noblesville. In 1852, Wesley Hare married Miss M.T. Harrison, daughter of a pioneer settler of Hamilton County. Their family consisted of 2 sons and 2 daughters. Sons, Elbert and Silas joined their father in the carriage and wagon business to become W. Hare & Sons, Inc.

The Hare Family used native timber to create every wagon, carriage, and buggy and established a market in Indiana and surrounding states. High standards and quality became key words associated with the Hare name. In 1882, W. Hare & Sons, Inc. was the largest wagon, buggy, and carriage dealer in Indiana and surrounding states. It took a short time for the family to earn a living in terms of dollars and cents. However, he realized that other things mattered far more…consideration of others, conscientious service, and his motto, "Keep up the quality." He learned too that his most valuable assets were not his bank account and worldly goods, but his loyal friends.

The Early 1900's…

In 1900, the company demolished the building and put in its place a modern, four-story, brick building. The Early 1900's were a huge transition period for the Hare firm. From 1909 to 1915, Frank ("Bunny"), Albert and Willard ("Bill") Hare, Elbert's sons and Wesley's grandsons, became the 3rd generation to enter the business. Frank ("Bunny") graduated from Indiana University in 1906, where he was captain of the football team. Albert, the youngest, attended Indiana University and served 18 months in the aviation service in Italy during WWI. Bill attended Eastman Gaines Business College in Poughkeepsie, New York and also played semi-professional baseball.

Automobile sales were added to the Buggy & Wagon business in 1912. Early models of Cadillac's, Hupmobiles, Overlands, and Studebakers were among the first automobiles sold. In 1921, W. Hare and Son began selling Chevrolet automobiles. In the 1920's, Frank opened a location in Indianapolis and Albert opened a location in Crawfordsville. Both were later closed. Albert sold his business to invest in the oil industry, and Frank moved back to Noblesville. In 1924, Bill Hare participated in a 100 hour endurance economy run. At this time, the dealership provided 24 hour towing service.

The 1930's & 40's…

By the early 1930's, between twenty and thirty new cars were sold each year. In the early 30's, Bill bought the holdings of his brothers. In 1939, Bill's only son, John (Jack) Hare, joined the business after attending Indiana University to become the 4th generation at W. Hare & Son, but he was there just a short time before the bombing of Pearl Harbour. In 1941, Hare advertised a $2.45 tune-up special and a new Chevy Town Sedan for $395. Chevrolet plants had been preparing for the impending war. Military trucks, parts for anti-aircraft guns, shells, and Pratt & Whitney engines were all part of Chevrolet's pre-Pearl Harbour schedule. Civilian car production ended for Chevrolet in January 1942. The Chevrolet plants were completely converted to war work. Jack Hare left the business and joined the army, where he was deployed as a pilot and awarded the Air Medal for participation in aerial flights in transport aircraft over the dangerous and difficult Indian China air route (also know as The Hump route), where enemy interception and attack was probable and expected. Cars in Hare's inventory had the tires removed and the vehicles were stored on blocks. The business remained open for service. Chevrolet resumed car production on October 3, 1945.

The 1950's…

As the dealership began to outgrow its downtown Noblesville location, Truck sales and Used car Sales were moved to 1700 S. 10th Street (Allisonville Road) in Noblesville, in 1948. In 1958, all of Hare's operations were moved to that location, still under the leadership of Bill and his only son, Jack. The dealership remained there until its move to its present location in 1999.

In 1959, Jack Hare was elected chairman of the Dealer's Planning committee. He served as spokesman for over 7,000 Chevrolet Dealers to top General Motors executives. His group laid a series of recommendations on mutual automobile problems before the company. This was the first time that any Hoosier ever served as Chairman of this committee. Jack Hare was married to Martha (Pierce) Hare and they had three daughters and no sons.

Today's Leadership Takes Over…

In 1966, David L. Cox, Jack's future son-in-law, joined the business as a parts runner, and he officially became Jack's son-in-law when he married Jacqueline Hare in 1969. David was born and raised in Noblesville and completed his education at Purdue with a degree in Industrial Management. After college, he went into sales at the firm and was selected to the Chevrolet Society of Sales Executives and served as President of Chevrolet Sales Managers Association. David also graduated from the Chevrolet School of Merchandising and Management (Dealer Academy). David was named Dealer / Operator in 1992 and became Owner / Operator in 1996 upon the death of his father-in-law, Jack Hare. David and Jackie represent the fifth generation to own and operate the business.

In 1997, W. Hare & Son, Inc. celebrated its 150th Anniversary. Shortly after that anniversary, Hare Chevrolet had outgrown its location once again. In 1999, the dealership moved to its present location on State Road 37 in Noblesville. W. Hare & Son, Inc. now has its 6th Generation descendants of Wesley Hare involved in management, Courtney Cole and Monica Peck, the two daughters of David and Jackie (Hare) Cox, are active in the management of the daily operations in the dealership today. Courtney joined the business in 1995, after graduating from Indiana University and spending a short time as a Certified Public Accountant in Indianapolis. Monica also graduated from the Indiana University School of Business, and spent over 6 years in the Information Technology industry before joining the business in 2003.

The forefathers of this organization had visions broad enough to transform the art of buggy making to the successful sales and service of automobiles, all done in a community rich in family tradition, which is the very foundation of this company. There are generations of families locally that have continued to do business with W. Hare & Son, Inc., and yet there are brand new customers everyday. Every customer, new or "repeat", is a valued one, and the Hare family will continue to strive to earn your patronage for generations to come. In conclusion, it is in a civic-minded mood, rather than a boastful one, that we acknowledge W. Hare & Son, Inc. as "America's Oldest Transportation Company".