FILL THE TANK, CHECK THE OIL IN WATERVILLE, OHIO -----PART TWO OF FOUR
In the earlier years of gas stations they were a service station, there to assist the customer. They would ask you if they could fill your tank up and check the oil and always washed your windshield. Many gas companies would have secret customers to make sure you did a good job and even gave gifts to the persons at the station. Today you fill your own tank! We will be doing a series of articles about the gas stations in Waterville that has been researched by Randy Studer.
SPARLING’S SUNOCO STATION @ 140 S. River Rd. - G & B Sparling had a Sunoco Gas Station at this location along with a restaurant. In 1937, Sparlings added a lubritorium (20 X 30 feet) to their station. They handled Sunoco and Texaco products. In 1938, they were a Hudson dealership. Not much is known about Sparling’s Gas Station. Later on the building would be Chanady’s/Opperman’s Village Kitchen, A.W. Standard Building, Canal Race Antiques, Ruby Baker’s Beauty Shop, Canoe Shop, Mayflower Beauty Salon and the office of Dr. Steven B. Dood M.D.
KURTZ SUPER SERVICE – MOBIL – FLEET WING STATION @ 144 S. River Rd. – William (Bill) Kurtz and the Mobil Oil Co. built a service station on the property ca. 1937. Kurtz was also a De Soto and Plymouth dealership. It was later rebranded as a Fleet Wing Service Station. In 1954, it was Hatcher’s Fleet Wing Service. Later on it was the River Road Lauderama, Laundry Village, Waterville Police Dept., Dance Studio and Triax Communications. It was then remodeled into apartments.
KURTZ MARATHON - LINCO STATION @ 210 Mechanic St. - George Kurtz opened up a Ford dealership (date unknown/early 1930’s?) and also was a Marathon/LINCO (Lincoln Oil Refining Co.) dealer. He also did general auto repairs. (Date is unknown when he closed.) When the new Marathon Oil Co. station opened up at 214 Mechanic St. ca. 1941 (next door) he quit selling Marathon gas? George is Bill Kurtz’s brother who had a gas station on River Rd. George Kurtz died in 1957. This building became part of the former American Metalcraft Co.
MARATHON GAS STATION @ 214 Mechanic St. - I believe the first Marathon station building on the parcel was built ca 1941. The station was operated by Pete Launder for Grover Lehman selling new Chevrolets. WW2 put an end to that so Wentz Lehman (Son) surrendered their lease in February of 1942. Pete Launder and Elmer Hartman were transferred to the Lehman Motors Sales Garage in Whitehouse. The new lease holders to the station were John Webster and Leo “Stub” Potter. The station had several operators over the years. It was John Webster’s Marathon ca. 1942-1948, Leo “Stub” Potter 1948-1955, Sawyers Marathon 1955-1966. The first Marathon station building was replaced with a Marathon modern ranch station building in the late 1960’s. Then it was Bingham’s Marathon (Lonnie Bingham), Kevin Enright, Spud’s Marathon (Spud Louy). The ranch station building was demolished and a new small building was built on the north side of the lot ca. 1980-81. It was now a convenience store and self-serve gas station. It would be operated by Gastown (Marathon Oil) Speedway, Rich and Valero. The station closed June 3, 2019.