The well-attended Open House at Schuler Motors, Inc., 727 W. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL, on Saturday, November 30, 2013, was layered with significance and sweetened with good wishes.
From 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. scores of well-wishers shared time to honor the long-standing dealership and its current owner, Mark Schuler.
Daughter Megan Druien explained the importance of the event.
“We are commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Lincoln Highway, America’s first transcontinental highway. It connected our Nation and helped build America. “
“We are also launching the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the The Dodge Brothers Automobiles and the 65th Anniversary of the Schuler family selling and servicing vehicles, in one of the greatest cities in the Nation!”
Even the refreshment options serviced the various tastes of those who attended the celebration. As with vehicle purchases, one could customize their treat “order:” chocolate or white cake; cookies; candy; mixed nuts; punch or coffee.
Schuler comes from a large family of seven siblings, most of whom were in attendance. His brother, Edward, “Eddie Robert,” passed away in 1972. Sister Linda Edwards of Nebraska is the fourth sister; she did not attend. Five sisters did, however: Pat Collins, Virginia VanZuiden, Beverly Bealer, Mary Snyder, and Sara Vlasic. Nieces and nephews added to the family fun.
Wife Susan; daughter Megan (Ray) Druien and grandaughter Hayden Druien; older son Zach Schuler and his girlfriend Jennifer Belha piled into the 1914 Dodge Brothers touring car that is so familiar to parade goers. This piece of automotive history was driven around the world by Mark’s father, Eddie Schuler. Clayton, the third child, was unable to attend. Left-to-right in the front seat are Susan and Mark; in the middle are Ray and Zach; atop the car’s top are Megan with Hayden and Jennifer.
Perhaps the figurative icing on the cake was that “We are celebrating Mark’s 60th birthday, also,” added Megan Druien.
The Guest of Honor stated what makes him proud is “great employees and the town we do business in. We send [the employees] to trainings; they are certified.”
And what goal lies beyond–a 70th or 75th Schuler Motors, Inc. anniversary? He answered, “[just to] continue on!”
