America's oldest Buick dealer to close after century in business

America's oldest Buick dealership, Geise Buick Pontiac in Quincy, Illinois, is closing.

After 100 years, descendents of founder Henry Geise Sr. have decided to sell the dealership's assets to Poage Auto Plaza. Both Pontiac and GMC franchises will be moved to another location, and be sold under a different banner, meaning that "'By the end of the year, Geise Buick will be a thing of the past.'" So says Henry Geise Jr., who is also quick to note that his family's dealership is still profitable, but the business is "... much more competitive than it used to be."

Given that Geise Jr. is 83 now, perhaps he's ready for a little down time. And with all of the ups and downs inherent in the car sales business, we imagine he and his family have earned some.

(A 1906 Buick Model G 'Turtle Deck' is shown)

[Sources: The Herald-Whig; Hershey Auction]