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History of General Top and Trim |
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The 1930’s found Henry J. Kinley working as a
butcher in Detroit, Michigan. It was during the hard times of the
depression when Henry met Nick Blazer and together they decided to
go into a partnership, forming National Top Company. Henry’s son
Jack joined the company, working part time during high school
transporting cars and doing odd jobs.
In 1937 Henry opened a new business on Vernon Street, naming it
General Top & Trim. When Jack graduated high school that year, he
began working full time at the newly formed company until he left
for Europe to fight for our country in WWII. By the time Jack
returned from war, brother Bill had joined the company.
This gave Henry and wife, Blanche, the opportunity to spend some
weekends up north in Bay City, Michigan visiting cousin Stafford and
his wife, Nina. Enjoying their time there, they made the decision to
buy a cottage on Saginaw Bay. Jack and Bill visited them on
weekends, driving 3hrs Friday evenings and returning home at 5:00
a.m. on Monday mornings.
Detroit Location 1950
Henry’s decision to open a new location in Saginaw came in 1948.
Bill would help run the Saginaw location and Jack would remain in
Detroit to run the Vernan Street location. In 1952 Henry passed
away. Bill stayed on in Saginaw continuing to run the General Top &
Trim location, and Jack married Helen Pelto.
During the 1950’s the business boomed. Bill soon became overwhelmed
and called on Jack for help. He asked Jack to move to Saginaw. Jack
thought about it over the weekend, called Bill Monday morning and
told him they would make the move.
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