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I have a 1957. I have traced the ownership back to 1966. The car was likely originally delivered to and sold by Barkman Chevrolet, Danville, Illinois. old phone number 446-7760. Barkman Chevrolet has been out of business for quite some time I believe. Is there a way of getting more information on the car's origins thru these leads. . Thank you. John
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Re: Tracing a 57 from original dealership - Barkman Chevrolet - Danville IL
John
You could try the local historical society. If there is a newspaper in the town you could also try the library for old photo copies of ads in the paper.
Bob -
Re: Tracing a 57 from original dealership - Barkman Chevrolet - Danville IL
As these cars get older it gets more difficult to trace the history. I got the name of the original dealership from the NCRS and I had luck tracing the history of my car from that information. My car was delivered to a small family owned dealership that went out of business in the late 70’s. The name of the dealership was the family name so I searched the town records and was able to locate a couple of people with that name. It turned out they were related to the original dealership owner and gave me contact information for the daughter of the owner. She was able to provide me with the name of someone familiar with the operations of the dealership back in the 60’s and he remembered my car and the man that originally purchased it. That dealership only sold 2 corvettes in 63 and he remembered both. It took quite a bit of time and a little luck to put it all together but I was able to locate the son of the original owner and meet up with him and show him the car. Your best chances for getting information would be from a small dealership the larger dealers sold too many cars to recall which car was purchased by any particular individual.Comment
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Re: Tracing a 57 from original dealership - Barkman Chevrolet - Danville IL
Barkman Chevrolet sounds like just that kind of old family owned Chevy story. Quick bing search revealed --->
Elmer Roy "Gonk" Barkman Jr., 91, of Danville died 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center.Services will be 1:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12, at Pape Funeral Home, 10 E. Williams, Danville, IL 61832, with Pastor Richard Sullins officiating. Masonic services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, and visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday at Pape's. Memorials may be made to Leaf a Legacy Gift, c/o Paul Sermersheim, Danville Community Improvement Coordinator, 615 N. Jackson, Danville, IL 61832, to purchase a tree to be planted in one of their parks in his memory. Burial will be in Spring Hill Cemetery, with military rites by American Legion Post 210.
Jr. was born June 30, 1916, in Danville, to Elmer Roy and Hilvia Elizabeth Olson Barkman Sr. He attended Garfield Grade School and graduated from DHS in 1935.
He joined the local National Guard and then joined the U.S. Army in March 1941. He later transferred to the U.S. Army Air Corps and spent three years at Molesworth, England. He was discharged in 1945 and returned to work as parts manager at Barkman Chevrolet on North Street in Danville. The dealership was established in 1921 and became a three-generation business, selling in 1980. Jr. spent growing up years in Lincoln Park neighborhood, playing many games of golf at Harrison Park.
Jr. married Betty Jane Downs on Sept. 13, 1956, at Danville Lincoln United Methodist Church (51 years), and she survives. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Mary Barkman Callahan and Patricia Downs, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents, three brothers, John, Dave and Matt, a sister, Marie Townsley McAleer, and a foster brother, Wayne Siner.
Jr. was a member of Lincoln Methodist Church, now First United Methodist Church, Elks Lodge 332, American Legion Post 210, VFW Post 728, Olive Branch Masonic Lodge 38, Danville Scottish Rite Bodies, where he was member of the Grand Masonic Army, and Ansar Shrine. He was a former member of the GAO Grotto and Pollywog Association. He enjoyed the many friendships of Chevrolet customers, bowling teams and golf foursomes. He also enjoyed fishing and trips to northern Minnesota and Canada with family and friends.Comment
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1957 from Barkman Chevrolet Danville, IL.
Thank you for your replies. I will follow up. JohnComment
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Re: 1957 from Barkman Chevrolet Danville, IL.
John,
I am searching for ownership history on my 63 delivered to ACME Chevrolet in Robinson Illinois which I think is not too far from Danville.
How did you get ownership history back to 1966? Did you get any records from the Secretary of State Records Inquiry Section? They had nothing for my VIN but I've heard that some older records exist.
There are some success stories as Bob stated. But in my case I've been searching for months and have gotten in touch with the son of the dealership owner and a salesman who worked at the dealership in the early 60's and still live in Robinson today. Neither one remembers even selling a new 63 corvette let alone a Tuxedo Black convertible with optional 340 hp engine. They even went so far as to suggest that maybe the car was shipped to ACME and then drop-shipped to another dealer for the sale.Last edited by Thomas B.; August 9, 2022, 05:29 PM.Comment
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Re: 1957 from Barkman Chevrolet Danville, IL.
My 57 has changed hands several times in the last 18 years however for the previous 37, to 1967 one fellow had the car. I found records to him, called, and we had a great conversation. He is a straight axle Corvette guy and remembers the car very well. He is in his 80's now. He recalled the previous owner but the history stops there. I have not found anything significant about the dealership. It is very intriguing. Thanks. JohnComment
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Re: 1957 from Barkman Chevrolet Danville, IL.
John,
Were you able to get title and registration history records from Illinois Secretary of State?Comment
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Re: 1957 from Barkman Chevrolet Danville, IL.
I have not pursued that. Have not found the contact information for the I SoS. JohnComment
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Re: 1957 from Barkman Chevrolet Danville, IL.
John,
Here is a link to the form to download, fill out and mail in. They had no info on my 63 but I understand some older cars may be in their database.
If the link doesn’t work you can go to ilsos.gov and search for the form vsd375 in the search box.
https://ilsos.gov/publications/pdf_publications/vsd375Comment
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