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CommunitySadly, the Indian Head community has lost another business — McWilliams Ford
Friday, May 9, 2008
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Sadly once again the town of Indian Head has lost another business and another empty building sits along Route 210 outside the entrance to the Navy base as a reminder to those of us who lived through the ‘‘good old days” of what a pleasant, thriving community Indian Head used to be.
The purpose of this letter is to tell you a story about a very fine person who many years ago opened the latest business to close in our town.
He never failed to greet you with a smile and a handshake. He started with a small building, and I remember how proud he was when he was able to expand and McWilliams Ford became the big building down the hill with the brick façade.
John McWilliams was so proud.
In 1968 I had graduated from college and had my first teaching job in Charles County. I needed a car.
I spotted a used yellow ’65 Mustang on the lot at McWilliams. I went to Mr. McWilliams and said, ‘‘I’ll pay you what I can every month until the car is paid off.” He shook my hand, and the deal was sealed. Every pay day I took a check to the dealership. I realize I was probably not the first young or older person in whom Mr. McWilliams placed trust. Some of these individuals probably disappointed him,
But Mr. McWilliams believed in good customer service and most importantly, he and his entire staff respected their customers.
It is sad to see that big building empty now. I miss all the fine employees who have worked there. Mostly, I’ll miss a fine gentleman and friend, John McWilliams Sr.
Mollie Johnson, Indian Head
