In August of 1972, Vernon M. Thomas climaxed his career by celebrating the 500th new vehicle sold in that model year.  He proudly captioned this photo of the 501st.  For a business in a village of little more than 2,000 people, this was quite an accomplishment. (TEXT CONTINUED BELOW) An ad in the local paper showed the delivery of the 500th "'72" to Mr and Mrs. Thurman Fitzpatrick of Magnetic Springs.  The copy read, "You, Mr. and Mrs. Automobile and Truck Buyers, have made this possible.  Indianapolis has its 500, and now Vernon M. Thomas has brought Richwood its first 500, thanks to you.  No other Richwood dealer has accomplished this record.  Come in ... get a price from Vern ... drive out in number 501!" The next week, an article in the paper noted that nationwide, from April 21 through July 31, 1972, Chevrolet had set a record by selling over a million cars and trucks in 100 days.  Vernon M. Thomas Chevrolet contributed 161 vehicles to that total. The following March, my father sold the dealership and began the final phase of his life:  a well-deserved retirement, which lasted 26 years.