Body Shop History: A Look Back in Time

Body Shop History: A Look Back in Time

The auto body industry has a deep and rich history rooted in family.

Keene Auto Body: Since 1928

Ensio Piispanen immigrated from Finland to the U.S. and founded Keene Auto Body in 1928.

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Salem Auto Body: Since the 1920s

Salem Auto Body is located down the road from Gallows Hill, where Bridget Bishop was hanged in 1692 as part of the Salem witch trials.

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Corby’s Collision Center: Since 1942

Bentley (Bud) and Evelyn Corby started Corby’s in a little gas station in Honeoye Falls, N.Y.

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Rudy Schmid Total Car Care: Since 1930

Rudy Schmid started a backyard garage in Syracuse, N.Y., offering auto care and collision repair services in 1930.

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Steen & Berg Company: Since 1916

Sam Berg, a blacksmith, and Gus Steen, a painter, started Steen & Berg Company in 1916.

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Senn’s Body & Paint: Trustworthy Repairs Since 1949

Herman J. Senn Jr. opened Senn’s Body and Paint Shop in 1949 in Louisville, Ky., at the age of 18.

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Jerry’s Body Shop: A Family-Run Business Since 1971

Jerry and Marjorie Kottschade opened Jerry’s Body Shop on Oct. 15, 1971 on Rock Street in Mankato, Minn.

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Lewis Body Shop & Glass: Since 1935

Lewis Body Shop & Glass in Macon, Mo., was founded in 1935 by Carswell Lewis.

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