07/30/2026
During the early twentieth century, Irving Hill & Way—known today as Hill & Wood Funeral Service—operated as both a funeral home and an automobile dealership, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit of the era. As automobiles became more common, many businesses diversified to meet the growing demand for motor vehicles, and Irving Hill & Way was no exception. The firm sold cars while continuing to provide funeral services, a combination that may seem unusual today but was not uncommon when automobiles were transforming transportation and commerce. In fact, funeral directors were among the earliest adopters of motorized vehicles, replacing horse-drawn hearses with automobiles and often leveraging their mechanical expertise and vehicle inventories to expand into automobile sales. This dual role highlights both the changing technology of the early twentieth century and the adaptability of local businesses serving their communities.
Hill & Wood Funeral Service is excited to announce an addition to our funeral service fleet, a 1939 Packard Hearse by Henney. Soon to be available on services for our Charlottesville and Ruckersville locations. 🛞
