Tulsa dealership celebrates 100 years
MYERS-Duren Harley-Davidson dealership, in Tulsa, celebrated 100 years in business in October with a series of events including a media and local celebrity event, a community party and culminating with its annual Fall bike show. The anniversary makes it the oldest H-D dealership in the state.
“I think it proves there are loyal customers here in Tulsa. They’re loyal to Harley-Davidson and loyal to Myers-Duren, and we look forward to serving them for many more years to come,” said Johnny McClanahan, the owner’s son and General Manager. “I never dreamed Harley-Davidsons would be this popular. The demand is just continuing.”
In 1912, Ward and Virgil Eby opened a bicycle and Excelsior motorcycle shop in Tulsa. The dealership was then gained the Harley-Davidson line in 1914. The Eby brothers sold it in 1949 to Glen E. ‘Dutch’ Myers. Then in 1977, in a rare event, a woman bought the dealership. Reba McClanahan, a former high school teacher and bike rider, bought the store with her then-husband, Lowell Duren. After they divorced, Reba kept the business, remarried, and her sons Johnny and James McClanahan helped her run it.
In 1998, Reba moved the dealership from 8th and Utica into a 20,000sqt custom-built Art Deco showroom at 48th and Peoria in the historic Brookside District.
Her focus is the same today as it was in 1977- solid customer service and a family atmosphere. The store also encourages women to own and ride Harleys. They offer Harley-Davidson accessories, clothing and maintenance, and are the only Harley dealership in the State of Oklahoma to offer Motorcycle Safety Foundation riding classes.
“We want your business, your kids’ business and your grandkids’ business. We’ve seen a lot of generations of families riding over the years,” says Johnny McClanahan, “We want our customers for the next 100 years. We want our customers for life.”
www.myersduren.com
