Community

National Vacuum removes its iconic vintage Cadillacs, ending a decades-long Gainesville tradition

National Vacuum, a Gainesville fixture since 1977, has taken down the vintage Cadillacs that had long served as the store’s most recognizable landmark, prompting widespread notice and online speculation from residents. The classic cars traced their origins to the store’s late founder, Bob Derochemont, who originally used a 1959 Cadillac to sell vacuums door-to-door and later left it parked outside the shop because it was too large for his garage. Over the years, the car — and eventually a second classic vehicle — became an unofficial community landmark tied to the store’s identity.

Sources: WCJB TV20