Automotive
Updated - 06/21/2023
The "Automotive" category for businesses would include a wide variety of enterprises such as auto parts stores, car washes, gas stations, repair shops, towing services and much more. However, some categories might seem to be "Automotive"-related but might also fit nicely into another, perhaps more applicable, category. For example, the Circle M Ranch Speedway is obviously "Automotive" in nature but it's primary financial income is due to providing "Entertainment", so it would fall into that category instead. Below is a list of businesses that I feel qualify as "Automotive" in nature.
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List of Automotive-related businesses listed below:
A. J. Clauser's Garage (Pear Alley) (a.k.a. - "Clauser's Garage)
Auburn Automotive & Accessories
Auburn's Transmission Shop, Inc.
Brommer's Texaco Service Station
Bryant Racing Development (BRD)
"Bush's" garage (see: Collins' Auto Repair)
Claude H. Hawkins' store
Clauser's garage (see: A. J. Clauser's Garage; Clauser's Garage; Clauser's Service Center)
Clauser's Garage (Rt. 895 west of Auburn)(also see: A. J. Clauser's Garage; Clauser's Service Center)
Clauser's Service Center (Rt. 895 east of Auburn)
Collins' Auto & Truck Repair
Collins' Garage (see: Collins' Auto & Truck Repair)
Fix's Garage
Fritz's Garage
Hawkins' store (see: Claude H. Hawkins' store)
Heim's garage (see: Jefferson Garage)
Herring's Auto Repairs (a.k.a. Herring's Auto & Truck Repairs)
Herring's Auto & Truck Repairs (see: Herring's Auto Repairs)
Hoy Lube, Inc.
Jefferson Garage
John Naftzinger's Body Shop
John W. Morrison
Lehman's Exxon and Car Wash (a.k.a. Lehman's P-66 and Car Wash)
Lehman's P-66 and Car Wash (see: Lehman's Exxon and Car Wash)
Lindermuth's Gas Station
Naftzinger's Body Shop (see: John Naftzinger's Body Shop)
Naftzinger's Garage (see: John Naftzinger's Body Shop; Naftzinger's Used Auto Parts)
Naftzinger's "Junkyard" (see: Naftzinger's Used Auto Parts)
Naftzinger's Used Auto Parts
R. R. Sterner Co.
Sam's Auto Body and Fender Repair Shop (see: Sam's Auto Body Shop)
Sam's Auto Body Shop (a.k.a. Sam's Auto Body and Fender Repair Shop)
Santella's Gas Station and Service Station
Schenck's garage (see: Fritz's Garage)
Tobias's Garage (see: Sam's Auto Body)
Webber's Garage (not the same business as Webber's Gulf Service)
Webber's Gulf Service (a.k.a. - Webber's garage; Webber's Service Station)
A. J. Clauser's Garage (Pear Alley) (a.k.a. - "Clauser's Garage)
Auburn Automotive & Accessories
Auburn's Transmission Shop, Inc.
Brommer's Texaco Service Station
Bryant Racing Development (BRD)
"Bush's" garage (see: Collins' Auto Repair)
Claude H. Hawkins' store
Clauser's garage (see: A. J. Clauser's Garage; Clauser's Garage; Clauser's Service Center)
Clauser's Garage (Rt. 895 west of Auburn)(also see: A. J. Clauser's Garage; Clauser's Service Center)
Clauser's Service Center (Rt. 895 east of Auburn)
Collins' Auto & Truck Repair
Collins' Garage (see: Collins' Auto & Truck Repair)
Fix's Garage
Fritz's Garage
Hawkins' store (see: Claude H. Hawkins' store)
Heim's garage (see: Jefferson Garage)
Herring's Auto Repairs (a.k.a. Herring's Auto & Truck Repairs)
Herring's Auto & Truck Repairs (see: Herring's Auto Repairs)
Hoy Lube, Inc.
Jefferson Garage
John Naftzinger's Body Shop
John W. Morrison
Lehman's Exxon and Car Wash (a.k.a. Lehman's P-66 and Car Wash)
Lehman's P-66 and Car Wash (see: Lehman's Exxon and Car Wash)
Lindermuth's Gas Station
Naftzinger's Body Shop (see: John Naftzinger's Body Shop)
Naftzinger's Garage (see: John Naftzinger's Body Shop; Naftzinger's Used Auto Parts)
Naftzinger's "Junkyard" (see: Naftzinger's Used Auto Parts)
Naftzinger's Used Auto Parts
R. R. Sterner Co.
Sam's Auto Body and Fender Repair Shop (see: Sam's Auto Body Shop)
Sam's Auto Body Shop (a.k.a. Sam's Auto Body and Fender Repair Shop)
Santella's Gas Station and Service Station
Schenck's garage (see: Fritz's Garage)
Tobias's Garage (see: Sam's Auto Body)
Webber's Garage (not the same business as Webber's Gulf Service)
Webber's Gulf Service (a.k.a. - Webber's garage; Webber's Service Station)
A. J. Clauser's Garage -
(a.k.a. - "Clauser's Garage") (Pear Alley) Arthur Jacob "A. J. Clauser" operated a small two-bay garage located in Pear Alley, Auburn, Schuylkill County, PA. One bay was used for storage of stock while the other was used for servicing automobiles. In January of 1941, A. J. won national acclaim in the Exide News magazine for his sales performance of Exide Batteries (an especially impressive feat considering his one-service-bay garage is located down an alley in the fairly rural town of Auburn whose population at that time was barely over 1,100 residents). A. J. managed to sell 103 quality Exide car batteries within a nine-month period...almost three car batteries every week. Arthur Jacob "A. J." Clauser was born on 06/26/1908 in Auburn, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Jacob William Clauser and Carrie (Caroline?) Virginia Krammes Clauser. He was a brother of Earlin Francis Clauser. "A. J." married twice; first to Helen Lucetta Gerhard Clauser and later, in 1978, to Sarah Annabel Mengel Sowers Clauser. The website findagrave.com did not list names of any children. "A. J." died on 02/05/1995 in Auburn and was interred within the St. John's Church's ("new") cemetery adjacent to Route 895, West Brunswick Township, Schuylkill County, PA. |
Brommer's Texaco Service Station -
(Rt. 895 east of Auburn) Brommer's Texaco Service Station not only sold "Texaco" products, but apparently at one time sold "Purol-Pep" gasoline based on the large advertisement painted on the roof of the establishment. The rooftop also suggests that an "H. Brommer" was the proprietor at the time the picture was taken. The building was later repurposed into a private residence. The website findagrave.com has a listing for a Harry Franklin Brommer as having been interred within Schuylkill County. Harry was born 08/01/1887. He was the son of Aaron Brommer and Lucy (Lucille?) Ann Phillips Brommer. Harry married Mary Angelina Lutz Brommer. They had the following children: Earl Lester Brommer, Edna Brommer Berger and Joseph A. Brommer. Harry died on 09/08/1965 and was interred within the St. Paul's Church cemetery, Summer Hill Road, South Manheim Township, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. . Whether or not this is the same "H. Brommer" that once was proprietor of this service station is uncertain. |
Claude H. Hawkin's Store -
(a.k.a. C. H. Hawkins' store; "Claude H. Hawkins General Merchandise" store; Hawkins' store) (103 Market Street) (NOTE: Although it may seem unusual to include a "General Merchandise Store" among the "Automotive-related" businesses listed here, Claude sold Indian-brand motorcycles, and Ford motor vehicles "in the rear" of his store...which probably meant behind the store, not inside the store. He is listed in an advertisement as a "Dealer in Dodge Brothers & Buick Automobiles" circa 1924. Amateur Auburn-area historian Kermit Mengel informed the Pottsville Republican Newspaper reporter that Claude had a small garage located behind his store from which he (Claude) sold Model-T cars. See the newspaper clipping on the right. Claude also had a gasoline pump outside near the rear of his store where he commercially sold gasoline to his many customers.) Located at 103 Market Street of Auburn, the structure which housed Hawkin's general merchandise store was built in 1856 by Johannes (John) Haszler (Hossler) and his wife Angelina Ebling Hossler (see photograph of upper corner of building). The general store was housed in the bottom of the left half of the building, with the residence located in the top half. The right half of the building was the warehouse section for extra inventory and large items. Claude had a small gas station/garage at the rear of the store from which he sold automobiles, and for a period of time he also sold gasoline from a pump adjacent to the building. The store's telephone number at various times was "5-11", "5-R-11" or "36-R-11". CLAUDE HENRY HAWKINS, general merchant of Auburn, Schuylkill Co., Pa., was born in York County, PA, on October 1, 1882. He was the son of James H. Hawkins and Eliza "Elsie" A. Henry Hawkins. He was the grandson of John K. Hawkins and Lydia G. Heffner Hawkins; a great-grandson of William Hawkins and Elizabeth Kauffman Hawkins; and a great-great grandson of Samuel Hawkins and Rachel Hawkins. Claude is also a half-brother to May Hawkins Reichert and Roy James Hawkins. Claude Henry Hawkins was educated in the schools of York County, Molltown, Berks County, plus Auburn, Schuylkill County, and the Pottsville Business College, taking a commercial course, stenography and typewriting, at the latter place. His first position was with the Charles F. Felin Company, lumber dealers, of Philadelphia, where he remained for a brief period, returning to Auburn to work for his father in the latter's general store. In 1908 he bought out his father, James Hawkins, and conducted the store with great success. Besides carrying a large selection of general merchandise, Claude also sold fishing and hunting supplies, clothing, "Wear-U-Well" brand shoes, Reading Standard bicycles with wooden rims and Excelsior brand bicycles, Indian brand motorcycles, and automobiles to include Buicks, Dodges and Fords. Claude used imprinted stationary letterhead which should intricate engravings of the Ford automobile plant at the top and two models of vintage Ford automobiles at the bottom corners. Claude use to show his appreciation toward valued customers by issuing them promotional kitchen utensils embossed with his store information, such as the ladel, meat fork and tongs pictured on this webpage. Amateur historian Kermit Mengel (now deceased) recalled that Claude once drew attention to his storefront by displaying a group of baby deer in the store window. Kermit stated that a train had struck the deer and when Claude learned of the accident he collected the carcasses and had them mounted/stuffed in order that he might display them. Mr. Hawkins was president of the Auburn Light, Heat & Power Company, which was incorporated with a capital of $10,000 in 1909, and supplied electricity to Auburn and Port Clinton. He was a member of the Board of Trade of Auburn. Mr. Hawkins was married to Elsie Lindermuth (misspelled as "Lindemuth" on her grave marker) Hawkins, daughter of Benjamin Alfred and Sarah Ribkee Lindermuth. They had one child, Ernest Allen Hawkins, born 11/09/1907. Mr. Hawkins was a Republican in politics, and a member of Auburn Castle, Knights of the Golden Eagle, he belonged to the Church of God, in which he was a deacon, and a teacher in the Sunday school. An unidentified news article dated circa 1943 states "Claude W. Hawkins, who conducted a grocery store for the past 40 years, has retired and closed the store." (Editor's note: The middle initial should have been "H.", not "W."). Claude died October 9, 1958. He is interred within the Auburn Church of God cemetery, Cemetery Road, Auburn, Schuylkill County, PA. |
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Clauser's Garage -
(Rt. 895 west of Auburn) |
Clausers' Service Center -
(Rt. 895 east of Auburn) Clauser's Service Center is located east of Auburn adjacent to Route 895, the official postal address being 2089 Market Street, Auburn, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania 17922. The station was co-owned and operated by brothers Jim and John Clauser and employed a relative, Mark Clauser, during one point. The service station had a reputation for reliable work at a reasonable price under their proprietorship. The building had at least three service bays early in its existence plus a two-bay attached car wash. Later the structure was remodeled to feature a single bay in front and a second bay located near the rear side of the garage, plus its two-bay car wash. In 2020, the structure began another remodel for the purpose of closing the two car wash bays and utilizing them for other purposes. Jim and John Clauser are believed to no longer have an active proprietorship in the business. |
Collins's Auto & Truck Repair -
(Second Street) "Collin's Auto & Truck Repair garage is located at the northeast corner of Pear Alley and Second Street in Auburn. Claude "Bush" Collins is the proprietor of the business. His sign indicates he specializes in "Tune Ups, Brakes, Tires, Struts, Shocks, Exhaust and AC repairs". Claude lives in the adjacent house located on the southeast corner of Orchard Street and Second Street. |
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Fix's Garage -
(Rt. 895 west of Auburn) The following newspaper article printed in 1972 documents an unfortunate incident which occurred at Fix's Garage: "Auburn Youth Shot, Killed by Service Station Owner" - "A 19-year-old RD1 Auburn man was killed early this morning by the owner of a garage and service station who, Schuylkill Haven Police say, surprised him in the act of burglary." "Joseph ("Joe") E. Hoy was pronounced dead on the scene at 3:45 a.m. by Deputy Coroner Pete Yesanchak, Auburn." "His body was taken to Pottsville Hospital where an autopsy will be performed by Dr. R. E. Hobbs, pathologist." "According to police Charles H. Fix, 28, owner of Fix's Garage and Service Station, Route 895, a half mile west of Auburn, surprised Hoy at 3:15 a.m. in the garage which he had entered by breaking a window on the west side." "Police, who are assisted in their investigation by Frank Evans, chief of county detectives, say charges may be brought against Fix at a later date." "He was born in Pottsville (on October 20, 1952), a son of Charles (Edward) and Catherine (Irene) Greth (Fegely) Hoy. He was a 1971 graduate of Schuylkill Haven Area High School, and had been employed at the Acadia plant which closed operations Friday." "Mr. Hoy was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Summer Hill." "Surviving, in addition to his parents, are his stepmother, Margaret L. McCleary Hoy at home; three brothers, his twin, Robert L. Hoy and William C. Hoy, both at home; Ernest E. Hoy, serving with the U.S. Army in Germany; stepbrothers, Terry and Gary, both at home; his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward S. Hoy, RD2 Pine Grove." (Pottsville Republican, September 2, 1972) |
NO IMAGE OF A GRAVE MARKER IS AVAILABLE
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Fritz's Garage -
(100 block of Liberty Alley) "Fritz" Schenck owned and operated "Fritz's Garage" located on the south side of the 100 block of Liberty Alley in Auburn. According to his advertisements, he specialized in "Accessories; Batteries; Gas; General Repairs; Grease; Lubrication; New & Used Cars; Oil; Sale & Service of Farm Machinery; Tires and Twenty-four-hour Wrecker Service". You could reach "Fritz" by telephone by dialing "2571" during the day or "2121" during the night. The website findagrave.com has a single listing for a "Fritz" Schenck having been interred within Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. A Frederick "Fritz" William Schenck (Jr.?) was born on 10/24/1913 in Pottsville, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Frederick W. Schenck (Sr.?) and Lonnie W. Klahr Schenck. "Fritz" married Madeline D. Matz Schenck in 1932. The website findagrave.com lists no children by this union. "Fritz" served in the Navy as a Seaman Second-Class doing Shore Patrol during World War II from 07/06/1943 until 01/01/1944. "Fritz" died on 04/25/1967 in Pottsville and was interred within the Schuylkill Memorial Park, North Manheim Township, Schuylkill County, PA. The findagrave.com website does not contain a picture of his grave marker. Whether or not this individual is the same "Fritz" Schenck that operated "Fritz's Garage" in Auburn is uncertain but probable. |
NO IMAGE OF A GRAVE MARKER IS AVAILABLE
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Herring's Auto Repairs -
(701 Market Street) Herring's Auto Repairs, also known as Herring's Auto & Truck Repairs, was located at 701 Market Street, Auburn, in the building formerly occupied by Webber's Gulf Service (Harry E. Webber, proprietor). An Internet "LinkedIn" profile states that an Edward Faust was employed as a mechanic at Herring's Auto Repairs from December 1986 through July 1987. |
Hoy Lube, Inc. -
(Fort Lebanon Road east of Auburn) Guy L. Hoy Jr. was the proprietor of Hoy Lube, Inc., which specialized in "Mystik Lubricants" products to include "JT-6" (multipurpose grease), "JT-7" (multipurpose gear lubricant) and "JT-8" (super heavy duty motor oil). Guy Jr. was born on 01/12/1934. He was the son of Guy L. Hoy Sr. and Florence E. Heinze Hoy. He was a brother of Carole I. Hoy Gehrig, Donald Walter Hoy, Gail Hoy Knauf, Gerald Hoy, Joan Phyllis Hoy Luckenbill, Kenneth Tracy Hoy and Virginia Eleanor Hoy. Guy Jr. was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Guy Jr. married Virginia "Ginny" Brommer Hoy on April 23, 1960. They had the following children: Cheryl Hoy Bender, Leslie Hoy Bacigalupi and Marsha Hoy. Guy Jr. died on 01/25/2010 in Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania and was interred within the Schuylkill Memorial Park, North Manheim Township, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. The website findagrave.com does not have a picture of Guy Jr.'s grave marker on its site. |
NO IMAGE OF A GRAVE MARKER IS AVAILABLE
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Jefferson Garage -
(located west of Auburn) The "Jefferson Garage" was located west of Auburn circa 1939. As the envelope pictured beside this narrative indicates, an "F. J. Heim" was the proprietor of that business. He specialized in "General Merchandise, Farming Implements, Etc." and a customer could contact him by telephone by dialing "7R5". The website findagrave.com has multiple listings for individuals who could fit the criteria of being an "F. J. Heim" interred in Schuylkill County in this time period; therefore, there is presently no further information about this individual or his garage. |
NO IMAGE OF A GRAVE MARKER IS AVAILABLE
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John W. Morrison -
A John W. Morrison was listed in an advertisement circa 1924 as an "Authorized Salesman (of) Lincolns, Studebakers, Willys, Knights, Fords, and Tractors". The website findagrave.com has only a single listing for an individual who would fit the criteria of a "John W. Morrison" of this era as having been interred within Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. John Wessley Morrison was born on 11/02/1897 in Auburn, Schuylkill County, PA. He was the son of John R. Morrison and Agnes Kissick Morrison. He was a brother of Agnes C. Morrison, Anna N. Morrison, Harriet A. Morrison Huntzinger, James Robert Burns Morrison, Joseph William Morrison (the only Auburn-area resident to be Killed In Action duringWorld War One) and Marion Mildred Morrison Heim. John married Theresa B. Hummel Morrison. They had two children: Agnes Marie Morrison and Joseph A. Morrison. John W. Morrison died in Pottsville, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania on 11/14/1970 and was interred within the St. John's Church cemetery, Cemetery Road, Auburn, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. |
Lehman's Exxon & Car Wash -
(a.k.a. - Lehman's P-66 & Car Wash) (112-114 Market Street) Lehman's Exxon & Car Wash, also known as "Lehman's P-66 & Car Wash", were owned and operated by George F. Lehman Jr. He established the business circa 1960 and operated it for approximately 30 years until his retirement in 1990. George Jr. not only had a small gas station located at 112-114 Market Street, but he also did automobile service and had a car wash behind the 114 Market Street structure. Kids would hang out at Lehman's place because he had video games and pool tables available. Older adults would hang out and drink coffee with George Jr. and other visitors at a small table he had near the back of his store. George Jr. offered general items for sale such as candy, canned goods, cigarettes, eggs, lottery tickets, nails, and coffee, of course. He even grew his own fresh vegetables and sold them in his shop. George Jr. offered a variety of automotive services to include "epoxy coating", repairing automobiles and selling gasoline and automotive accessories. The gasoline brands he sold included that of Esso (Standard Oil), Exxon and Phillips "P-66". He also "made" or cut keys for his customers. George F. Lehman Jr. was born on 11/29/1929 in Auburn, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of George F. Lehman Sr. and Elsie Schach Lehman. He was a brother of Annie Lehman Bair, Edna Lehman Unger, Edward J. Lehman and Luther Lehman. George Jr. graduated from Auburn High School in 1948. He also attended and graduated from the Andrews School of Watchmaking in Minersville, Schuylkill County, PA. From 1948 to 1951, George Jr. played professional baseball with the "House of David", the Philadelphia Athletics and the Chicago White Sox organizations. His statistics while playing ball included his height at 6'2" and his weight at 205 pounds, mentioning he was right-handed. After his stint playing ball, George Jr. then joined the Marine Corps and was active during the Korean War, obtaining the rank of Corporal. He was Wounded In Action (W.I.A.) and received the Purple Heart medal. In addition to many other social organizations in which George Jr. had membership or involvement, he was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3975 located in Auburn. George Jr. married Elsie M. Schmidt Lehman and they had the following children: Chris F. Lehman, Craig D. Lehman, Crystal D. Lehman and Debra Lehman Slutter. George Jr. died on 03/14/1998 and was interred within the St. Mark's Brown's Church Cemetery, Moyers, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. |
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Lindermuth's Gas Station -
(Auburn) A 1933 Auburn High School Yearbook titled "The Anchor" contains an advertisement for "Howard Lindermuth" of Auburn, PA, stating he offers "High Test" & "Knockless Action" "Blue Sunoco Motor Fuel" at "Regular Gas Price". Whether Lindermuth operated a general store with a gas pump or whether he operated a service station is unknown at this time. Howard Berger Lindermuth was born on 10/02/1890 in Auburn, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Nathaniel R. Lindermuth and Susanna Berger Lindermuth. Howard married May Florence Moyer Lindermuth. The website findagrave.com lists no children by this union. Howard died on 03/08/1960 in West Donegal Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and was interred within the St. John's Church cemetery, Cemetery Road, Auburn, Schuylkill County, PA. |
Naftzinger's Used Auto Parts -
(500 S. Seventh Street) Auburn-area entrepreneur Doug Naftzinger started out with humble beginnings while he gradually built Naftzinger's Used Auto Parts into a thriving business. He advertises that he is a "Buyer of Junk Cars and Trucks", offers "Wrecker and Roll Back Service" and sells a complete line of (automobile) batteries. His sign further states that he buys "Wrecked, Running or Disabled Cars & Trucks". He runs a full-service automotive repair shop on location. Doug continued to invest his profits into real estate and his business enterprise (Doug Naftzinger, Inc. Real Estate) now owns dozens of rental properties and houses in the Auburn-area and Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. His tenants speak very favorably of their landlord. His is a true success story and he furthers his efforts by serving on the Auburn Borough Council and having donated to various philanthropic causes. Doug Naftzinger is the individual responsible for the donation of the attractive Auburn Area Historical Society sign located adjacent to Route 895 just east of Auburn. |
R. R. Sterner Co. -
(Market Street) An enterprise called "R. R. Sterner Co." advertised in a 1957 Auburn High School yearbook that they were located on Market Street of Auburn and sold "Goodyear Tires" and "General Electric Appliances". The same company also provided promotional items to its favored customers to include the ashtray and the ice-scraper featured next to this narrative. The company may have started in Auburn as early as the 1930s. The R. R. Sterner Company donated money towards high school year book production in the 1930s; and an Internet search revealed that the first plastic ice-scrapers were believed to have been made in the 1930s. The ice-scraper advertises "Custom Suburbanite Tires by Goodyear". Goodyear first introduced its line of "Suburbanite Winter Tires" in 1952; however, it is uncertain as to whether or not a Suburbanite general use tire existed before that time. The website findagrave.com has a listing for a Raymond "Ray" Romig Sterner who was born on 01/02/1896. He was the son of Oscar L. Sterner and Emma R. Motzer Sterner. He married Fanny F. Fehr Sterner. "Ray" served in Company C, 103rd Engineer Battalion of the U.S. Army during World War I. He served from 05/15/1917 until 05/16/1919 and obtained the rank of Sergeant First Class. "Ray" died on 03/05/1972 and was interred within the Zion Evangelical Church cemetery, Rock, Schuylkill County, PA. |
Sam's Auto Body Shop -
(a.k.a. - Sam's Auto Body and Fender Repair Shop; and Tobias' Garage) (Bear Creek Street) Sam's Auto Body Shop was located at the corner of Bear Creek Street and Pine Street in Auburn, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. In addition to selling Tydol "Flying A" petroleum products, Sam also did basic mechanical work, fender repair, repainting and welding on cars and trucks. Samuel W. Tobias was born on 09/10/1910 in Pennsylvania. He was a World War II Army veteran, obtaining the military rank of Private First Class. in Co. D Replacement Training Camp. Sam married Cora Kline Tobias. They had two children: Jay D. Tobias and Ronald H. Tobias. Sam died on 06/04/1969 in Auburn, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania and was interred within the Schuylkill Memorial Park, North Manheim Township, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. The website findagrave.com does not contain a picture of his grave marker. |
NO IMAGE IS AVAILABLE OF GRAVE MARKER
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Santella's Gas Station and Service Station -
(112-114 Market Street) Leonard "Pete" Santella operated a gas and service station at 112-114 Market Street in Auburn, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania circa 1920s - 1950s. He featured Batteries, Gas, Oil, Tires, Ice Cream, Soda and other refreshments. In addition to his automotive and refreshments merchandise, "Pete" also sold and repaired shoes at this location. "Pete" started out with a simple one-story structure located at 112 Market Street selling gas from a single pump outside. At some point, the structure was widened and had a second story added to it. By the 1930s, "Pete" was so financially successful that he built a sturdy brick structure in the adjacent lot of 114 Market Street to serve as a garage. He finally sold the business circa 1960 to George F. Lehman Jr. who continued operating a service station at this location until he retired in 1990. Leonard "Pete" Santella was born on 07/18/1885 in Italy. At some point he immigrated to America and settled in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. "Pete" married Elsie Viola Schach Lehman Santella (Elsie's second marriage). The website findagrave.com had no listing of any children by this union. Pete died on 12/04/1964 and was interred within the Schuylkill Memorial Park cemetery, North Manheim Township, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. The website findagrave.com does not have a picture of his grave marker posted. |
NO IMAGE IS AVAILABLE OF GRAVE MARKER
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Webber's Garage -
(Route 895 east of Auburn) Webber's Garage is located adjacent to Route 895 east of Auburn, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. Their official mailing address is 2138 Market Street, Auburn, PA 17922. They specialize in general repairs and Pennsylvania State Inspections. |
Webber's Gulf Service -
(a.k.a. "Webber's Garage") (701 Market Street) Webber's Gulf Service station, also known as "Webber's Garage" (not to be confused with more recent "Webber's Garage" located adjacent to Route 895 east of Auburn), was located at 701 Market Street, Auburn, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. Harry E. Webber was the owner and operator of this business. Harry was quite the entrepreneur and advertised frequently, both in printed ad format and by giving away many promotional items over the years to his favored customers. He advertised "Auto Accessories, Batteries, Car Washing, Dodge & Plymouth Sales and Service, Durant Cars, Flint Cars, General Repairs, Gulf-brand Gas, Gulflex Lubrication, Oil, Star Cars, Steering Connection Service, Storage and Tires". A customer could contact Harry by telephone simply by dialing "26-R-3", or by 1951 dialing "43R3" or, in later years, dialing "2786" or "PL-4- 2786". Eventually, Webber's Gulf Service was sold and Herrings Auto Repairs took over the building. Finally, after decades of commercial use in the automotive business, the structure was repurposed as a private residence only. Harry E. Webber was born on 04/09/1894. He was the son of Jonathan Manuel Webber and Minnie (Minerva?) Krammes Webber. He was a brother of Charles Webber and Ruth A. Webber Rickenbach. Harry married twice; first to Mamie (Margaret?) E. Auchey Webber (who unfortunately was born in 1901 and died in 1922 at the approximate age of 21); then to Mamie's sister, Vera M. Auchey Webber. Harry and Mamie had a daughter, Norma J. Webber Faust. Harry was an active member of the Auburn Lions Club. He also had a serious hobby of collecting Pennsylvania "Dutch" hex signs. A portion of his collection was featured in a 1959 news article by the Pottsville Republican (Pottsville, Schuylkill County, PA). Harry died on 01/08/1977 and was interred within the St. Paul's Church cemetery, Summer Hill Road, South Manheim Township, Schuylkill County, PA. |
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