About

Baum Chevrolet Buick has its beginnings in Carlock, IL, in the early 1920s. Arthur "Art" Baum came to Central Illinois from rural southern Indiana looking for work in the bountiful corn fields around Bloomington-Normal, IL. He worked several seasons hand-harvesting corn before getting acquainted with Clarence Stutzman, owner and operator of the local Chevrolet dealership.

In the 1920s, car dealerships were often gas station/handy-man shops that just happened to sell a few vehicles. Art found steady work at the dealership, helping repair vehicles and just about anything else that was brought in. After Mr. Stutzman's untimely death in 1928, Art purchased the dealership. Art steered the dealership and gas station through the Great Depression and World War II, experiencing fuel rations, vehicle shortages, hard times, and eventually, good times. Art wrapped his arms around his small community, giving personal loans to families, as banks wouldn't finance automobiles at the time. He personally operated a 24/7 wrecker service and grew his company from two employees to seven.

Baum Chevrolet Buick in Clinton IL

During this time, Art began teaching and involving his only child, Richard. Richard became an operating partner in 1948, helping his father with all aspects of the dealership. With smaller dealerships being phased out, Richard left Carlock, IL and purchased Holtz Chevrolet in Clinton, IL, from the retiring Carl Holtz.

Baum Chevrolet Buick in Clinton IL

In 1964, Richard moved the franchise and his family to Clinton. Suddenly, this small-town store doubled in size, employing 15 people. Richard quickly made Clinton, IL his new hometown. With his infectious smile and laughter, Richard focused on growing the business while still providing the convenient services that customers had come to enjoy – a 24/7 wrecker service in Clinton and, in the mid-1980s, a full-service Collision Repair Shop.

Baum Chevrolet Buick in Clinton IL

At the end of the 1960s, Art closed the Carlock store and refocused his efforts in Clinton. Art helped foster growth on the western side of town, having a hand in developing several properties formerly owned by the Illinois Central Railroad.

As Richard's three children grew, they began to get involved at Baum Chevrolet Buick. Stephanie, Stephen, and Scott all had their turn doing various tasks, including mowing, cleaning, and other odd jobs. After college, each one became involved full-time.

Baum Chevrolet Buick in Clinton IL

The eldest, Stephanie, began doing payroll in 1981, eventually becoming office and personnel manager. She retired in 2018. Stephen began selling vehicles in the late 1970s, becoming general sales manager in 1982. Sadly, he passed away in 2003. The youngest, Scott, focused on the back end of the dealership, working in fixed operations. In 1992, Scott became a third-generation dealer and assumed the general manager role.

Through the leadership of Scott and his siblings, Baum Chevrolet Buick added Baum Motor Company in Farmer City, a satellite store selling pre-owned vehicles, a Quick Lube to provide no-appointment-needed oil changes, and a Detail Center focused on reconditioning and expert vehicle detailing for customers.

Baum Chevrolet Buick in Clinton IL

Today, the dealership employs members of the 4th generation. Grateful for the community's support, Richard, now in his nineties, and Scott have continued the tradition of mentoring the next generation.

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Baum Chevrolet Buick

Service 217-935-3156
Towing 217-519-3462
Body Shop 217-935-3156
810 W. Van Buren
Clinton, IL 61727
Driving Directions
Monday 8:00AM - 6:00PM
Tuesday 8:00AM - 6:00PM
Wednesday 8:00AM - 6:00PM
Thursday 8:00AM - 6:00PM
Friday 8:00AM - 6:00PM
Saturday 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Sunday Closed
Monday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Tuesday 7:30AM - 5:30PM
Wednesday 7:30AM - 5:30PM
Thursday 7:30AM - 5:30PM
Friday 7:30AM - 5:30PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Monday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Tuesday 7:30AM - 5:00PM
Wednesday 7:30AM - 5:00PM
Thursday 7:30AM - 5:00PM
Friday 7:30AM - 5:00PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Monday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Tuesday 7:30AM - 5:00PM
Wednesday 7:30AM - 5:00PM
Thursday 7:30AM - 5:00PM
Friday 7:30AM - 5:00PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed