Lloyd Ganton Honored with President’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Lloyd Ganton (center) with family members at JCMHS banquet Thursday evening.  Photo by Bart Hawley, JTV.

(December 6, 2024 9:36 AM ET) In a celebration of dedication and community impact, Lloyd Ganton, founder of the Ye Ole Carriage Shop, was awarded the prestigious President’s Lifetime Achievement Award during the Jackson County Michigan Historical Society’s 4th Annual Banquet. The event, held on Thursday, December 5th, at Spring Arbor University, recognized Ganton’s tireless efforts to preserve and share the unique history of Jackson, Michigan’s auto industry. The award was presented by Maurice Imhoff, President of the Historical Society, on behalf of President Joe Biden.

In a letter to Ganton, President Biden praised his remarkable contributions, stating, “Throughout our country’s history, the American story has been strengthened by those who combine an optimism about what can be with the resilience to turn that vision into reality.” The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor of the President’s Volunteer Service Awards program, is presented to individuals who have dedicated more than 4,000 hours of volunteer service, making a profound and lasting impact in their communities.

Ganton’s remarkable achievements embody the true spirit of this prestigious award. As the founder of the Ye Ole Carriage Shop, a non-profit museum in Spring Arbor, he has dedicated thousands of hours to preserving and showcasing a collection of rare and historically significant vehicles and artifacts. His efforts have brought Jackson’s pivotal contributions to the early auto industry to life. Among the treasures in his collection are 18 of the 24 Jackson-made cars—a testament to his passion and determination. Of the six not included, three are considered extinct, and three are unobtainable, underscoring the rarity of his accomplishments. For over 45 years, Lloyd has not only collected these extraordinary vehicles but also preserved countless other pieces of local history, inspiring and educating visitors of all ages with his lifelong dedication to storytelling and preservation.

Beyond his work with the museum, Ganton has served on various boards and lent his time to community events, demonstrating a deep commitment to the enrichment of Jackson County’s heritage and civic life. His efforts ensure that the legacy of Jackson’s once-thriving auto industry will endure, fostering a sense of pride and curiosity about the region’s history. The award presentation at the banquet was one of the highlight’s of the evening, celebrating not only Ganton’s extraordinary contributions but also the broader mission of the Jackson County Michigan Historical Society to preserve and promote local history.

For more information on Lloyd Ganton, the Ye Ole Carriage Shop, and the Jackson County Michigan Historical Society, please contact myjacksonhistorical.org. About the President’s Volunteer Service Award: The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is a national program established in 2003 to honor individuals whose volunteer service has significantly impacted communities across the United States. The Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest tier of recognition, celebrates those who have dedicated at least 4,000 hours of service over their lifetime. For more information, visit presidentialserviceawards.gov.