Hugh A. McLean

McLean Chevrolet 

The McLean Chevrolet Corporation began at 123 Main Street. In October 1941, when the business celebrated its 19th anniversary, the newspapers described it as “one of the oldest and most reputable firms” in the Tonawandas. The firm, under the leadership of Hugh A. McLean, who served as president and general manager, opened for business on October 22, 1922. The original Main and Goundry Street location had previously been the site of the Sheldon Hotel. During its first year in business, McLean’s set a record for sales by delivering 137 new and 19 used automobiles.

On January 1, 1928, due to the cramped quarters at 123 Main Street, the company purchased the property at 27-29 Main Street ( Main and Tremont Street) from W. W. Robertson, Jr. They enlarged the facility, securing more land as well, over the years for their growing business.

The entire organization was built on a permanent basis of cooperation between management and employees. It was one of the two auto firms to survive the depression of 1929-31. At that time, many other local dealers were forced to close. Between 1948 and 1952, the service shop capacity more than doubled and a parts room was added in 1950.

In 1922, there were three employees; by 1952, there were 16 employees. Three long-time salesmen were Maynard Werth, Roy Human, and Walter McKnight.

Sheldon J. Hecker, former star football player and coach at Niagara University, was sales manager in the 1950’s and also was president of the sales manager club of the Buffalo Council Chevrolet Dealers.

McLean sold McLean Chevrolet in 1978 to George Begole.

Hugh A. McLean was the son of lumberman Donald McLean. Born in Hingham, Massachusetts, his family moved to North Tonawanda in 1901 when he was 11 years old. A graduate of North Tonawanda High School and the University of Pennsylvania, he served with the 309 th Field Artillery during World War I.

Prior to starting his own business, he had been involved in the lumber business, employed by the Bennett Lumber Co. He was employed by the Chevrolet Co. for awhile as a traveling representative.

Partial scan of a photograph of the entire University of Pennsylvania rowing crew of 1913, showing Crew Manager, Hugh A. McLean, at upper left in white suit. The white suit has been donated to the Museum by Margaret A. Cheeley. Photo courtesy of Hugh A. McLean's daughter, Jean McLean Bostwick, May 16, 2006.