Ridgefield’s tree-lined streets were filled with families waving American flags and applauding the iconic company that revolutionized the modern-day moving industry in their town 80 years ago.
Located 22 miles north of Portland, Ore., the charming town known for being the birthplace of U-Haul® celebrated America’s birthday on July 4. It was quite a patriotic sight.
A Popular Participant
Figgy Feigenspan, U-Haul Co. of Southern Washington president, and four members of her company escorted a U-Haul truck donning an exclusive “80 Years of Moving America” SuperGraphic along Ridgefield’s Fourth of July Parade route while handing out hundreds of miniature flags to enthusiastic spectators.
Tanya Fullmer (920084 GM), Hector Linares-Guerra (920001 AFM), Brett Grover (920002 AFM) and Matthew Montijo (920 CSS) were there to represent Team U-Haul.
“When we went by, they were all screaming our name,” Feigenspan said. “The kids knew U-Haul, just like the adults and senior citizens. They were so happy to see us. It was my first parade to be in. It was really fun. The route was 1.5 miles, but we probably finished it in 10 minutes. All the American flags we had to hand out were gone. They loved them.
“As you get halfway through the parade, they announce an excerpt about each participant. When they announced Ridgefield was the birthplace of U-Haul, people went crazy. They take a lot of pride in that. There is still a sign near Costco® (as you enter town) that says Ridgefield is the birthplace of U-Haul.”
The Carty Connection
The first U-Haul trailers were built during the summer of 1945 on the Carty Family Ranch in Ridgefield. U-Haul cofounders L.S. Shoen and wife Anna Mary Carty moved there from Southern California once Shoen was discharged from the Navy.
The young couple formulated the idea for an affordable, national trailer rental service after they were unable to rent a one-way trailer for their do-it-yourself move. Such an industry did not exist at the time.
The late Hap Carty, a Ridgefield native and Anna Mary’s younger brother, became the first U-Haul employee and helped L.S. build the original trailers while on furlough from the Army that summer. Hap later oversaw the Northeast U.S. rental companies and held numerous roles with the Company, including U-Haul International president.
Speaking at Ridgefield Heritage Day in 2015, Hap remarked of his sister and brother-in-law: “They set out on a mission — not on a business, but on a mission — to get that service available for the public.” And so they did.
Special Day … and a Store on the Way
U-Haul was also part of Ridgefield’s Fourth of July festivities in 2015 during the Company’s 70th anniversary celebration, prior to helping stage Ridgefield Heritage Day on Sept. 12 of that year.
“It’s special to see the impact we have here,” Feigenspan said. “People here are excited for the new (retail, moving and self-storage) center we’re building in Ridgefield. It should be open in 2026. The people know all of our U-Haul dealers in town, so having a store will be amazing.
“Ridgefield is a very loyal town. They attract a crowd for sure, especially for July 4. Families were everywhere. There were other events after the parade with games and food trucks. It was an all-day affair. I’m glad U-Haul was a part of it.”
Learn about Past Ridgefield Events
Fourth of July Parade (2015): https://myuhaulstory.com/2015/07/25/u-haul-featured-ridgefield-fourth-july-celebration/
Our History in Ridgefield (2015): https://myuhaulstory.com/2015/08/27/u-haul-history-profiled-ahead-ridgefield-heritage-day/
Heritage Day (2015): https://myuhaulstory.com/2015/09/15/u-haul-history-celebrated-ridgefield-heritage-day/
Locals Embrace U-Haul (2015): https://myuhaulstory.com/2015/09/19/locals-embrace-link-u-haul-rentals-ridgefield/
Students Participate (2015): https://myuhaulstory.com/2015/09/14/ridgefield-students-celebrate-u-haul-art-projects-prizes/
New Sign for the City (2016): https://myuhaulstory.com/2016/11/16/ridgefield-sign-celebrating-u-haul-roots/
