Farmer Jones Carz

Farmer Jones Carz was a Calgary institution for decades, a used car lot selling well worn el-cheap-o transportation and doing it with a quirky style. The lot was always brimming with old beaters and the iconic sign with its slow-witted looking chubby farmer in coveralls with a sprig of grass in his teeth was a well known landmark. Everything must come to an end though and in 2012 the business closed.

One of the last holdouts from “old” Inglewood, it used to share that neighbourhood with seedy pawn shops, dark second hand stores, auction houses, bottle depots, a dive hotel, and other similar type businesses that tend to thrive in these older depressed areas of town.

Since closing the “beautiful” sales building has sat empty and is likely to be demolished. The neighbourhood it’s located in is experiencing a renaissance of sorts and is becoming quite trendy (read: expensive) and I am sure the lot is likely to be transformed into something up scale. What happened to the sign is unknown.

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The rest of the place has been turned into a what is assumed to be, a temporary parking lot.

You’d often see ads for the car lot in the local papers and they always had clever and quirky catch phrases. For example…

“Cash 4 Carz”
“Cash fer Carz”
“I hate munny, I luv carz”
“Stoopid buyer on duty”

And there were many others, all with hillbilly style spelling.

They also plastered their lot with loud signs and they often had ratty old stuffed animals inside the cars along with balloons and flags and other decorations of a tacky nature draped over everything. With traffic on 9th avenue and trains passing right behind the lot, it must have been a noisy place at times.

Prior to this location, back in the 1970s the lot was a block or two east of here on the same street, but on the opposite side (I think).

My stepfather had a strange attraction to this place and back when I was coming into my teen years, he often purchased his cars here. Every one was junk and every one was ugly, but I guess they were cheap and perhaps the company provided financing for those who were a high credit risk (as my stepfather often was). All I can remember is he’d often be cursing the cars he bought from here, and in particular I recall a very junky Ford Cortina that was prone to almost daily breakdowns. It was worthy of only one place, the shredder. Looking at the cars being offered at Farmer Jones more recently, nothing much had changed and old junkers populated the lot.

While they were clearly a success in their earlier days, changing demographics, rising operating costs, cramped quarters, a questionable reputation (whether deserved of not), the death of my step father (their best customer), all conspired to bring this amazing “legacy” to an end. Remains of their website, still listed as under construction, can be found online. There was talk of them finding a new location, but nothing has come about from this.

Seen above the car lot, on a brick building that borders the lots west side, are a number of interesting ghost signs. There is an advertisement for Fred Deeley Cycles, which is barely readable. This company was a large dealer of pedal powered conveyances and they also sold motorcycles. It’s not clear when they pulled out of Calgary, but they also have a Vancouver store which is still in business today under the name Trev Deeley Motorcycles. The signs says Fred Deeley was established in 1914 and it’s assumed these signs are a bit newer then that date – the 1920s perhaps?

Beside it is another advertisement for bicycles, for a brand called Rudge, presumably being sold at Fred Deeley. It proudly proclaims “Ride A Rudge, The World’s Most Reliable Bicycle Since 1869”. This make of bicycle was a well respected and prominent British brand, and through various mergers they were made into the the 1960s and perhaps even later. They also made motorcycles for a time.

Some of the previous two signs are hard to read and some bits are now totally missing or too faded, however I was fortunate enough to find a picture of them from thirty years ago and at that time everything on them was easily readable. That’s how I knew what the impossible to read bits said.

There is a third sign, very faded, which is advertising candies and pastries. This company, likely the old Olivier Candy shop which used to be located in this building but is now a few blocks east, had according to the sign, outlets in Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon and Winnipeg. This sign is obviously newer than the others.

Be sure to comment on this post (below pictures).

Seen across the street was an odd line up of Ford Festiva cars. Most were late 1980s or early 1990s models with one “newer” one in the mix. Why they are doing here is anyone’s guess and one has to question, why would anyone want them? They are base model throw-away cars, ones not seen much here, so parts and service must be hard to find. And they are down right plain and homely (IMO). Who ever owns them has the market cornered I guess.

Back to the car lot and my only regret is that I did not photograph the operation while it was in business. It was such a funky place. I’ve learnt my lesson and will make every effort to not be so careless again.

If you have any Farmer Jones experiences, pictures or ads you’d like to share, be sure and let us know. We can happily post them here.

To see the nearby dive hotel mentioned earlier, follow this link…
The Nash aka The National Hotel.

Across the street is an interesting school we explored…
Calgary then and now – Alexandra School

Check out this post…
Genealogists don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story.

If you wish more information on this place, by all means contact us!

Date: February, 2013.
Location: Calgary, AB.

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Rudge bicycles

A ghost sign above the old dealership lot, advertising Rudge Bicycles.

Elevator shaft

Access to the lower floors. Haha.

I hate munny, I luv carz

I hate munny., I luv carz!

Farmer Jones Carz

Farmer Jones Carz, a Calgary institution for decades.

Cash 4 Carz

Cash 4 Carz!

Farmer Jones car lot

Blast off!

24 hour video on site

Like any of the cars sold here would be worth protecting.

Farmer Jones Carz

Farmer Jones and its lovely office.

Farmer Jones Used Carz

There used to be wall to wall (junky) cars jammed in here.

Ford Festiva

Across the street was this odd line up of Ford Festivas.

48 responses

  1. Crissy says:

    I was just perusing the internet in hopes of finding some more pictures to add to my stepdad Ray’s obituary, and I came across your site. Thank you for taking the time to write such a nice piece on what was a big piece of our family history. Unfortunately Ray was murdered recently and we are all quite devastated.

    • Sorry for the delay in responding (some health issues – nothing serious). Oh goodness, that’s dreadful and we hope you can find what you’re looking for.

  2. Whohan says:

    Thanks for the memories. Farmer Jones=Ed Pizinger. Quite a character. Loved to deal. My husband worked for a few years for Ed, late 70s, early 80’s.

  3. Jo Tennant says:

    wasn’t there another Farmer Jones Carz at the corner of Memorial Drive
    & Edmonton Trail?

  4. GMan says:

    The explosion scene in Dead Bang was filmed at this location (or close to it).

    • Ahh, that’s interesting. We’ve yet to watch the film, but perhaps should.

    • Moderatelyinsane says:

      Dead bang explosion was filmed at the old Farmer Jones showroom, 1202 9th ave…across the street from Kanes diner…now a parking lot… Truman Capotes In Cold Blood had scenes that were filmed at the 925 9th ave location.

      • Thanks for sharing this. Has anyone ever seen Dead Bang? It’s talked about a lot when the subject of Inglewood trivia comes up but seems scarce otherwise. We’ve looked high and low for a copy.

  5. Barry Davies says:

    `Back in the late 60’s I bought a 56 pontiac convertible from Farmer. They repossessed it which is was what I wanted. It was a good looking car but everything needed fixing. I had good success with a 57 Ford. I later sold a 61 olds bubbletop to Farmer.

    • Oh my goodness, we’d love to have any one of those cars today (and the budget to keep them on the road). The Farmer was quite the horse trader. The old man and him did lots of deals.

  6. no sucker says:

    The Farmer!!! i used to go to the Nash to hear the punk rock bands and Farmer was always open for business with that stoopid buyer sign out front. one particular car always caught my eye, a 70 Toronado with rear dual axles!!! i think it was bought and sold a couple of times. Unfortunately for the Farmer my bros had warned me about dealing there.

    • The Nash and Punk? So forgot about that scene! I remember now. A dual axle Toronado? Now’s that’s interesting. I guess with the car being front drive, it’d be doable. Googled it and it seems others have done it. Cool! The Farmer was a place of last resorts for car buyers. Like my Step Dad who patronized the business a lot. Thanks for commenting!

  7. Byron Robb says:

    HI, Chris,

    A few (more like many) years ago Farmer Jones Carz was located at the north-west corner of Memorial Dr. & 4 St. NE.
    A friend was passing though Calgary from the west coast in mid winter and in the morning his pickup truck wouldn’t start. When we finally got it started after a long time and heating the entire engine with an oxy-propane torch he decided that he wanted a different car to drive to Ontario. I don’t remember who suggested Farmer Jones, but it wasn’t me. All the same I went with him to the lot and we actually got to deal with the man himself. Farmer Jones in the flesh. Yes, Virginia, there is a Farmer Jones. Ed Pizinger. They had more or less reached a deal that involved the truck and some cash (of course) for one of the farmer’s junkers. I couldn’t believe that my friend was actually willing to make the deal, but he just wanted to get the F*#k outta Dodge. Right about then the farmer spotted some power tools in the back of the truck and now they were also required to close the deal. Smooth operator, that guy.

    Also, it is my understanding that Fred Deeley had the rights to all Harley -Davidson distribution in Canada. Might still have.

    Looking forward to hanging out with you soon.

    Cheers and hi to Connie,
    Byron

    • Haha, great stuff. That Farmer Jones was some guy – the old man bought a lot of junkers off the fellow. He was his number one customer, I swear. Seem to recall the Farmer was a short stocky fellow with a cowboy hat. This is adding to the story! We’ll get out soon – soon as some of the snow goes.

  8. Jen says:

    Last time I bussed through Inglewood I was surprised how schmancy it is now! I moved away from Calgary 9 years ago and it was still a super sketchy dive back then. Once when I was a kid my Mom and I were waiting for the #1 bus by the zoo and she said some old guy was eyeing me like he was going to kidnap me. So, that’s the Inglewood I remember!

    • The place is being gentrified and hipsterized. God, the prices there. Won’t be long for all that old character to be gone. I sort of have a fond place for the sketchy Inglewood of old. But I’m strange that way.

  9. Gilligan says:

    They also had a lot on 12 St. S.E,south of 9 Ave…

  10. Chantelle says:

    The original farmer jones is my grandpa, and my uncle ray actually ran this location. Was neat to find this post. I remember hanging out here while my mom visited with her brother (Ray). As kids we always got to visit Olivier’s chocolates down the street while we were waiting!

    • Yes, Olivier’s, loved the place. They seem to have lost their charm after moving down the road. Are they even still there? Given my step-dad’s love for Farmer Jones, it’s no doubt your Uncle Ray knew him well. Thanks for commenting.

      • Dennis says:

        I also remember dealing with the guys at farmer Jones in the mid 60s, I recall dealing on an old 40 something coupe and they had put a Cadillac engine in it! We took it for a ride, don’t remember how it ran, but do remember it was not a perfect shape at all as it was some what a make shift put together, had a hard time getting out of there, they were determined to sell it to me ” looking back, it was a great experience. Ended up in the car business and always told my sales guys about the phrase love carz hate munny! Looking forward to more information on this great old experience of selling carz .

        • Awesome, thanks for sharing this! Love to hear from people that had a connection to the place. The stories always make our day!

  11. Gary Monague says:

    Also had a lot bottom of Ed. trail at Mem. drive.

  12. lavallee says:

    Does any body have pictures of farmers lot on Edmonton trail? Me and my husband both worked there great place.

  13. Mark B. says:

    I remember his affinity for Cadillacs and Lincolns. When ever I bought one at auctions I knew I could flip it quick to the Farmer. I remember Fred Deely Cycles. They even had a house brand IIRC.

  14. Ryan Bronoski says:

    Bought my second and third cars there, a souped up Mustang and later a more family oriented wagon. Both were junk but the payments were cheap!

  15. nattyamalia says:

    Cheers, thanks for sharing! When I was in college I bought a car at Farmer Jones, a 1980 Dodge Omni. That thing spent more time in the shop then it did on the road.

  16. jodi aka jo jo says:

    Ahh I remember working at Farmers in the early to mid 80s and had becme great friends of Ray Senecal and of course have awesome memories of Farmer who treated me like a son We all have great memories of that place that I will never forget and to this day I still talk about my times there good luck to you Ray

  17. John says:

    An old man’s memory lapse….I believe the old lot was at 4th and Memorial Drive……

  18. John says:

    Lol,

    I worked at Farmer Jones for a number of years off and on. At the time I worked in the old lot he had on the north side of the river. Then, I was a young man who did a lot of travelling and hitch hiking back and forth across Canada and I could always count on getting a quick job when I arrived in town

    I remember all of the old wrecks that were sold there. Jack Stevens was the salesman at the lot and I used to stay at his place when I hit town. As a matter of fact my son Steven was named after him. We used to take one of the cars from the lot and make quick weekend trips to Vancouver, usually a Cadillac or a Lincoln. Never had a problem with any of them on a hard and fast trip to the coast. I was working at the old lot north of the river when he opened up the “new” shop, the one you are talking about.

    Lol, had a lot of fun there as a young man and remember it all well.

    • That’s so awesome and thanks for sharing it with us! My research shows that the Farmer had a least two locations in Inglewood over the years. Earlier (late 1970s) they were next to the old fire hall (now a pub) a bit east of the last location. At least I’m pretty sure of it. My step dad was a frequent customer and I recall accompanying him there when I was a kid. I did not know about that even earlier location you mention.

  19. Star Shop says:

    Thanks for a very enjoyable and informative site. That place was a Inglewood fixture for so many years. I’d loved those ratty old stuffed animals!

  20. Shelby T says:

    Great website! Back in my college days I was as broke as broke can be. Flat broke with overdue credit cards bills by the score. I needed a car and only Farmer Jones would extend me credit. In 2002 I got a well worn 1997 Cavalier for (I hate to admit) 12 grand. I think you could buy a new one for that price. It was as expected a POS and broke down with predicable regularity. I married a couple years later and my wife helped me get my finances in order and soon after I paid off the note and sold the car. Believe it or not for $1000! I was so glad to get rid of that junker. In spite of that, I have these strange fond memories for the Farmer Jones car lot. It was just so quirky.

    • ChrisBigDoer says:

      Sorry, I can’t help but chuckle. I think every car sold there was a POS and an overpriced one at that. My old man kept coming back for more though. Funny, my wife takes care of the finances too. If I did, we’d be bankrupt within the month.

  21. Mitchel T says:

    Thank you for the good writeup. Like yours, my father often bough cars from Farmer Jones. Junkers, every last one of them. Of course, my dad had horrible credit and the Farmer was his only option for a vehicle.

  22. Mr Ferrell says:

    It was an Inglewood landmark for so many years!

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