Reviving a Beacon of Canton’s Past: The Harreld Chevrolet Legacy Lives On

Special to The Canton News

For over eight decades, Harreld Chevrolet stood as a beacon of small-town resilience and community pride in Canton, Mississippi. From its humble beginnings on West Peace Street in 1932, to the iconic neon glow of its Highway 51 location, the dealership built by W.E. Harreld, Sr. etched itself into the hearts of generations. Now, almost a decade after the Harreld family sold the business, the spirit of the dealership is set to shine again—literally.

On Friday, March 28, the Rose Garden Room at the Canton Welcome Center buzzed with excitement as master neon artisan Rene Pastor of Magic City Signs captivated the crowd with “All About Neon,” a vibrant presentation on the history and artistry of neon signage. The event marked more than just a nostalgic look back—it was the kickoff of a community-led effort to restore the legendary Harreld Chevrolet neon sign that has towered over Highway 51 since 1947.

“It was the largest neon sign in Mississippi at the time,” said Canton historian Jim Lacey, Jr., referencing the glowing landmark that once welcomed travelers from Chicago to New Orleans. “People would compare the big Harreld sign to the one atop the Peabody Hotel in Memphis.”

The fundraiser, hosted by Canton Tourism and spearheaded by the Canton-Madison County Historical Society, seeks to return the sign to its former brilliance. If successful, Pastor and his team from Birmingham, Alabama will begin the restoration. Known for their work on HGTV’s Home Town, Magic City Signs brings the experience and artistic vision needed to honor the sign’s legacy.

The Harreld Chevrolet story is a cornerstone of Canton’s history. Founded during the Great Depression, the business weathered national crises including labor strikes, gas shortages, and even the 1979 Easter Flood. In 1947, moving to a swampy plot just south of the town square seemed risky. But with a philosophy grounded in putting the customer first, the dealership flourished under three generations of Harreld leadership—W.E. Harreld, Sr., his son Bill Jr., and later, his grandson Jim.

Even as car dealerships grew larger and more corporate, Harreld Chevrolet retained its small-town charm. Loyal customers from Canton and the surrounding counties remained steadfast, drawn to the family’s unwavering commitment to service and community.

Though the dealership was sold to Mac Haik in 2016, the legacy remains—in stories, in memories, and in the silent silhouette of its once-vibrant sign. Now, nearly 90 years after W.E. Harreld first opened his doors, Canton is rallying once again to preserve a piece of its identity.

“Neon is more than just light—it’s history, it’s emotion,” said Pastor during his presentation. Four grandchildren of the original sign’s creator, Billy Will Harreld, were in attendance, their presence a living bridge between past and future.

As Canton eyes its 2036 Bicentennial, restoring the Harreld Chevrolet sign is more than a beautification project—it’s a symbol of the city’s enduring spirit. In the words of one attendee: “It’s about lighting up our past to illuminate our future.”