It was 1959 and Ike was in the White House. Mattel introduced a new doll. Maybe you heard of her: Barbie? A gallon of gas set you back a quarter, and a businessman named Art Van Elslander opened his first furniture store in Detroit.
Sixty years later, Home Furnishings Association member Art Van Furniture is going back to its roots to celebrate its 60th anniversary. The company is giving away a fully restored 1959 fire-engine red Ford F100 truck.
“It’s humbling to realize how many people have opened their doors and invited us into their homes for 60 years,” said Ron Boire, president and CEO of Art Van Furniture. “We plan to show our appreciation to families throughout the Midwest who have trusted Art Van to help them create beautiful, comfortable and affordable living spaces.”
Art Van Furniture kicked off its 60th anniversary on June 25 when shoppers could register to win the vintage truck at its Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri and Iowa showrooms and on artvan.com. Every interior and exterior detail of the classic truck, with a four-on-the-floor manual stick shift and original power steering and brakes, has been restored.
The anniversary celebration continues through the year with several charities benefiting from events and other prize giveaways.
Robert Bell writes the Shop Talk blog for the Home Furnishings Association.
