Ward Service to Celebrate 90 Years in Business

How do you celebrate a 90th birthday?

Well, if you are Ward Service, a longtime San Gabriel Valley automotive repair shop located on Railroad Avenue in Monrovia, a party Nov. 2 with a free classic car show and special celebrity guests is the order of the day.

The family-owned and operated company opened its doors in 1923 and has survived economic recessions, gasoline wars, war-time rationing, and several relocations, according to a news release. The family's 4th generation is now at the helm.

"Ward Service has outlasted many of its competitors by holding fast to its family values and strong work ethic," Tom Ward, a 3rd generation owner, said in a news release. "When other service stations and tow companies closed at night, our service stations and tow trucks were operating, helping thousands of stranded motorists to get home safely. When you employ your family to run a business, you get an extra level of commitment that you can't always expect from employees." 

The business spent 78 years in Pasadena and the last 12 in Monrovia.

The celebration will showcase the shop's work with antique and classic cars.

Classic motorcycles, hot rods from the 1920s to the 1970s, antique cars, muscle cars, NHRA race cars, and a high-wheeler bicycle will be on display.

"Many of the vehicles are owned by our customers and we are proud to include them as part of our 90th Anniversary gala," said owner Jim Ward. "To entertain our guests, we will be doing an engine blow with the local Fire Department. Later, we will hold a raffle with some large gift prizes that auto fans are sure to enjoy with our raffle proceeds going to the Monrovia Fire Department to help them restore an antique fire truck."

The Wards have given back to the communities they served over the 9 decades. Owners have held leadership positions for Pasadena's Tournament of Roses, Pasadena Lions Club, Pasadena Optimists Club, Pasadena Junior Chamber and Pasadena Quarterbacks Club. Third-generation owners Mike and Tom Ward served terms as president of the local chapter of the Automotive Service Council and the California Tow Truck Association.

Current owner Jim Ward is the council's current president. He has served as president of the Monrovia Rotary Club and a board member of the Santa Anita Family YMCA.

"We've built a heritage of community service throughout the generations of automotive business," says Jim Ward. "We look forward to keeping that tradition alive with the same family values that have served us through the past 90 years."

The event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 2 at 130 Railroad Ave.  The event is open to the public and parking is available at the Park & Ride lot at South Myrtle and Railroad.

For more information about the celebration, call Melanie Ward at 626-357-8080 or send an email to jim@wardservice.com. Visit www.wardservice.com for more information about Ward Service.