(PICTURE 1900 CHAMPION BASEBALL TEAM THE CHOCTAWS) The Forrest City Motor Company has a long history in Forrest City, as successor to the original firm, the Mallory-Eldridge Livery Stable, partners were Mr.G.B.Mallory and Rolfe Eldridge Sr., before automobiles came about. and was founded on Oct.1,1906. Mr.Eldridge had returned to Forrest City after working several years as a construction lineman for the Western Union Telegraph Co. in eastern states. He was born in 1880, the son of Mr.& Mrs.J.E.Eldridge on the old Eldridge farm north of Forest City. He graduated from Forrest City High School. In 1912, Mr.Josh Mallory died in 1912 and Mr.Eldridge had other partners, Rufus Scott, Bert Mallory, and J.W.Aven, before his son in law, Rodgers Deaderick purchased an interest. In 1916, the firm went by the name Forrest City Motor Company and sold the Gardner, Overland and other makes before acquiring the Chevrolet franchise. In 1918, they added the Studebaker dealership, but retained it only a few years. In 1947 they obtained the Oldsmobile franchise. In 1931, his son in law joined the firm. Mr.Eldridge married Miss Corrine Ritchie of Augusta on May 13,1910, and to that union wears born three sons, and two daughters. His daughter Carrelyn, married Mr.Rodgers Deaderick. His other daughter, Margaret, is the wife of Col.W.P.Wilson, Jr. of the National Guard Air Force in Washington, D.C. Mr.Rolfe's three sons are Rolfe Jr., engineer for the Vaccaro-Grobmyer Lumber Co here; John E., physician in pediatrics in San Francisco; and Paul Ritchie, an active partner in the motor company. Mr.Rolfe has been a member of the Odd Fellows and Woodmen of the World, a member of the Methodist church for 43 years, and a member of the Forrest City School Board for six years. Mr.Rolfe loves fox hunting, and raises Walker fox hounds at the old Eldridge farm.

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