HOME

In 2010, Silvers’ Garage (2008) Limited will be celebrating its 95^th year of serving Nova Scotians and “Delivering Beyond the Expected”.  In recognition of these 95 years we would like to share our proud history of service and accomplishments.

Elbert Silver was born in 1879.  He became an electrician by trade, and had a natural knack and interest in repairing almost anything that came his way.  After several small repair shops, he officially opened one behind his home in 1915.  He spent the next few years working on small engines, but in 1918 with more business than his garage could handle and with a staff of five, Elbert decided to set up shop on Bridgewater's Pleasant Street.  He remained there for the next six years, until in 1924 it was time for another expansion.  Silvers' had evolved into an automotive and truck repair shop and more space was needed.  Elbert moved his business back to the East Side of town to 537 LaHave Street, where it remained in operation until a move in 1979.

A few years later the Great Depression hit, and Silvers' felt hard times the same as everyone else, however, Elbert managed to keep the business stable.  Being a supplier to the forestry and fishing industries helped, as those industries remained relatively lucrative throughout the Depression.  In 1934, Silvers' became a dealer for International Harvester Corporation handling sales of International trucks, parts and service.

In 1945 Elbert's sons, Harold and Karl, joined their father in the family business.  The next year, Silvers' acquired dealership rights for Hudson Cars.  That franchise was given up in 1952.

The company suffered a serious setback in May 1947, when the garage burned to the ground and Elbert was seriously injured in the fire.  It took him a long time to recover from his injuries, but through the hard work of his sons and dedicated staff, the garage was rebuilt on the same spot, that same year (completed October 1947).

The following excerpts are taken from the news media at that time:

"Bridgewater, May 13 - Elbert Silver, well known local garage operator, is in Dawson Memorial Hospital in serious condition following a $30,000 flash fire which leveled his LaHave Street establishment and threatened several other nearby buildings with destruction.  The blaze broke out this afternoon during a welding operation in the garage.

Mr. Silver, manager of the business, was seriously burned while trying to extinguish the flames during the early stages of the fire.  His condition tonight was described as serious.  About 10 men were thrown out of work by the fire."  Halifax Herald May 13, 1947

"Silvers' Garage was total destroyed by fire which broke out late yesterday afternoon.  The firemen were on the scene at once, but too late to save the garage, which was soon a roaring furnace.  They kept a steady stream of water on the neighboring shops and houses and though those on the south of the garage were often blazing furiously, the fire was kept under control and confined to the one building.  Furniture and personal possessions from adjoining houses were removed to safer locations, but the houses were damaged by smoke and water.  It was reported that the fire started in the acetylene tank and Mr. Elbert Silver was badly burned in trying to get it under control.  He was taken to the hospital suffering from serious burns and shock."  Bridgewater Bulletin, May 14, 1947

In 1951 a Parts and Office area was added as the business recovered and grew.

In 1953, Silvers' Garage was incorporated and in 1960 Elbert retired at the age of 80 due to illness.  He passed away four years later, and his wife Marion assumed the role of President.  Further expansion took place in 1969 when a Spring Shop and Body Shop were added to the premises.  This gave the company a competitive niche to do these types of repairs in-house on a timely basis without the downtime normally associated with this type of repair at that time.

In the early '70's the economy picked up and Silvers' experienced strong growth.  The Trans-Canada Highway (#103) was going to be expanded down through the South Shore area and Harold and Karl again felt the need to expand - to better serve this industry.  Plans were put in motion to eventually consolidate on a new location, which would be near the new Trans-Canada Highway, and provide badly needed room to service the ever increasing number and size of vehicles operating in the area.  In 1975 a new six-bay service facility was completed at their current location (273 North Street) while, in1979 their new parts department, sales and general offices were completed.  That same year, Silvers' celebrated a forty-five year partnership with International Harvester with a staff of seventeen.

In 1980, Ken Silver joined the company.  Ken is Harold's oldest son.  He had spent a number of years working with International Harvester in Ontario, as well as at company store locations and dealerships.

The offer was there, and so he decided to return home to involve himself with the family business.  Ken started out in sales and took on more duties as time went on.  Harold and Karl decided to slow down the pace a bit and in 1982 the company was re-incorporated.

By mid 1999 Silvers' Garage (1982) Limited spanned over 14,000 square feet, with over 40 employees.  Ken has taken the helm of President, while Karl's daughter Kathryn Silver-Crowell handles the responsibilities of Vice President; she has worked in the parts side of the business since 1976.  James Finigan, an employee since 1964, handles the duties of Secretary-Treasurer.  (Jim took retirement in July 2004 after 40 years with the company.)   Karl retired from the business in December 1996 (and had passed on after a brief illness in August 2000), while Harold remained somewhat involved until January 2005.  Together these brothers span well over 100 years of experience serving the Transportation Industry in Atlantic Canada and as full line International Brand Dealers.  They did it all.

In the fall of 1999 Silvers' began work on a 3600 square foot service expansion which was completed early in February 2000.  The garage now has 18,000 square feet under one roof and another six service bays.  This expansion was considered phase 1.  While phase II -- the expansion and second floor addition to the office and parts department areas, is in the planning stages and will be completed when the timing seems right.  Other expansions such as more parts warehouse storage area have most recently been completed (40,000 cu ft) in early 2006.

Silvers' was re-incorporated in November of 2008 and continues to provide the highest levels of service to our customers and community.

"Truck sales have been booming over the past 10 years, with the exit of our railway system" says Ken, "and we have picked up a lot more fleet work in our service bays."  "We live by our motto, all makes, parts and service, since they have always been the backbone of this operation.  We grew by offering quality parts and service whenever needed:  24 hours a day, 7 days a week"

"We would have never made it this far without the good people who work for us.  We are very proud of our employees both past and present," says Ken.  "We are also very proud of the standard of service we have set and maintained for our customers over many years and our 72 year relationship with the International brand.  With the advent of the Next Generation Trucks (NGT) beginning soon, we see an added excitement connected with the International Brand for years to come."

ANNOUNCING INTERNATIONAL'S NEWEST FLAGSHIP TRACTOR  THE ALL NEW 2010 'LONESTAR'   MORE ON THE WAY

72, Martin's Brook, formerly of Bridgewater, passed away Tuesday, August 8, 2000, in the South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater.  Born in Bridgewater, he was a son of the late Elbert and Marion Silver.  He will be remembered as a successful business man partnered with his surviving brother, Harold.  He was a loving and devoted family man and is survived by his wife, Marjorie; son, James; daughters, Karla and Kathryn.  Visitation was held on Friday evening, August 11 from 7pm-9pm in Sweeny's Funeral Home, Bridgewater and from where a memorial service was held 11am on Saturday, August 12, Rev. Willis Ott officiating.  Private family burial in Brookside Cemetery, Bridgewater.  Flower by family only, donations made to the Multiple Sclerosis or any charity of choice.  A son, a husband, a father, a business man.  Karl was well respected and loved and will truly be missed by all who knew him.

85, Bridgewater, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2009 in the Veteran's Unit of the Fishermen's Memorial Hospital, Lunenburg. Born in Bridgewater on February 24, 1923, he was the eldest son of the late Elbert (1964) and Marion (1999, Mullock) Silver of Bridgewater. Harold signed up for the army on February 23, 1943 and served overseas. He was a welder and mechanic by trade and worked at the dockyards in Halifax after being discharged by the army, before entering the family business, "Silver's Garage" alongside his brother Karl and father, Elbert. They successfully worked, managed, grew, expanded and eventually owned the business, each with over 50 years of service. Harold retired in 2005. Nicknamed for many years by his close friends as "Happy", he always loved a good hearty laugh or joke. The neighborhood was never safe. Harold was a hard worker, a determined man, always with a purpose. He was a lifelong member of the Micmac Rod and Gun Club as well as the Royal Canadian Branch 24, Bridgewater and St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Bridgewater. He was a lover of the outdoors, an avid hunter, fisherman, gardener and traveler. Harold was always willing to help out or lend a hand. A very special thank you from the family to his longtime caregivers, especially to Bev Weaver, who was constantly there for him with genuine care and concern over the past 15 years. Harold is survived by his four children, Gail (Neil), Vancouver; Kenny (Susan), Bridgewater; Ed, Denver, Colorado; Nancy (Don), Vancouver; 2 grandchildren, Stephanie (14) and Luke (12) Silver of Bridgewater. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lucille (Cook) (1988) and his brother and lifetime business partner, Karl (2000). Visitation was held Tuesday from 7 to 9pm with a public legion tribute service being held at 7pm in Sweeny's Funeral Home, Bridgewater and from where funeral service were held 11am Wednesday, Rev Willis Ott officiating. Burial was  in the Brookside Cemetery, Bridgewater.