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Location DB > United States > Connecticut > Wallingford > Merriam Motors
 Name
Merriam Motors
 Viewing Options
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 Database Info
created by consecrated on 6/21/2010 11:43 AM
last modified by consecrated on 6/21/2010 7:00 PM
 Viewability
Publically Viewable Publically Viewable
This location has been labeled as Demolished, and therefore can be viewed by anyone.
 Overview
 Description
Large, interconnected 'L' shaped building. The showroom area (North end) contains various sales and management offices and the rest, containing over 15 garage bays, is relegated to parts and service. The property borders the railroad and Route 5. The building was separated into service areas for Ford, Lincoln-Mercury, and Jeep-Mitsubishi.
 Basic Information
Type: Building
Status: Demolished
Accessibility: Easy
Recommendation: forget it, demolished
 Physical Information
Address
895 N. Colony Road
Wallingford, Connecticut
United States
Owner: Key Auto Group
  • See a map of this location
  •  Hazards
  • asbestos
  • rust
  • various automotive fluids all over the floor
  •  Interesting Features
    Full parts bins. Diagnostic and machining equipment still in their original locations. Lot's of hazardous waste everywhere. Offices are still intact including customer paperwork and computers. Large facility, neat place to just walk around.
     Security Measures
  • fences
  • part-time guard
  • locked gates
  • wooden boarding
  • Nosey neighbors
  •  Historical Dates
    Built: 1955
    Closed: 2008
     Required Equipment
  • flashlight
  • gloves
  • towelettes
  •  Recommended Equipment

     History
    In 1955 Sam Merriam opened Merriam Motors in Wallingford, Connecticut, selling Lincoln-Mercury’s and used cars. They later added a large parts and service department capable of servicing Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Jeep and Mitsubishi motor-vehicles.
    In July 1995, a forklift operator was killed while attempting to reposition his forklift to lift a large compressor at a neighboring business. This incident was in the news again in 1998 and then in 2000 when a worker compensation suit and subsequent appeal were filed.
    In 2002 as auto sales declined, Merriam used the hit HBO TV series 'Sopranos' to their benefit. In October and July, Merriam had 5 cast members from the Sopranos in their showroom attracting customers and assisting in the sale of vehicles. The event was quite successful. This was said of the event:

    "...Come and buy a car from the Sopranos. We'll get 5 or 6 cast members and let them take people on test drives, write up the paperwork with a salesperson and sell the car. For every car we sell, we'll take X amount of dollars and give it to charity."

    "Next time, we'll have 'em brought in a jet helicopter and land in a parking lot. We'll have an old police car, 1920s type, with Keystone cops and have a shootout right in front. It'll be a little theatrical."

    My take on it:
    A jet helicopter and a 20's vintage cruiser? Is this 'Back to the Future?" Why not fly them in using a Delorean.

    Anyway...

    In 2008, Merriam filed numerous lawsuits against Ford, Mercury and Mitsubishi with regards to franchise contracts. By March of the same year, Merriam closed its doors. Demolished June 2010.
     Media Coverage
    http://www.myrecor...-7572850fc235.html
     Future Plans
    CVS and a strip mall. At least it's not another Dunkin Donuts.
     Stories


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     Photo Galleries
    Click to view gallery
    1st Visit
    Sat, Apr 24th, 2010
    posted by consecrated
    25 pictures
    Click to view gallery
    2nd Visit
    Sat, Jun 5th, 2010
    posted by consecrated
    25 pictures


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     Web Links

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     Moderator Rating
    The moderator rating is a neutral rating of the content quality, photography, and coolness of this location.

    This location has not yet been rated by a moderator.
     Validation
    This location's validation is current. It was last validated by Opheliaism on 6/28/2010 2:29 PM.

     Latest Changes
  • on Jun 28 10 at 14:29, Opheliaism validated this location
  • on Jun 28 10 at 12:00, consecrated deleted 3 pictures from gallery 1st Visit
  • on Jun 28 10 at 11:53, consecrated added some pictures to a gallery
  • on Jun 28 10 at 11:45, consecrated added some pictures to a gallery
  • on Jun 28 10 at 11:44, consecrated added some pictures to a gallery
  • on Jun 28 10 at 11:43, consecrated added some pictures to a gallery
  • on Jun 28 10 at 11:36, consecrated updated gallery 2nd Visit
  • on Jun 28 10 at 11:35, consecrated created a new gallery
  • on Jun 22 10 at 1:17, Steed validated this location
  • on Jun 21 10 at 19:00, consecrated changed the following: Future Plans
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