Grenz Sold Studebakers in Wesleyville

Old Time Erie. Grenz Motors- bottom left: 2809 Buffalo Rd. Top: 2814 Buffalo Rd.

Elmer Grenz operated a Studebaker dealership on Buffalo Road in Wesleyville, PA for a total of thirty years. He started selling cars in 1934. Elmer serviced all makes and models of cars in his original shop at 2809 Buffalo Road, and did PA state inspections. This spot was later the location of Catrabone's store, which sold model cars and candy. It was then home to Gary's Variety, which sold a lot of newspapers, magazines and lottery tickets. The building was demolished to make room for a used car lot. 

Mr. Grenz had a new building constructed at 2814 Buffalo Road, across the street from the old location. This was a much bigger, nicer showroom on Route 20 just east of the City of Erie. The section that faced Buffalo Road had large windows and a big display area. Elmer was a car dealer for a total of forty years. After he retired, the building had different uses. It was a DeLorean dealership for a very short time and a bargain store that sold a variety of items, including record albums. Cycle City was located there for a number of years. A rent-to-own store was also a tenant. 

Elmer Grenz was well liked by his customers. He passed away in 1990. This article and photos originally appeared in the book Greetings From Wesleyville Volume 1 by Debbi Lyon.

For more facts about Erie, PA check Old Time Erie

Harris Ford Key Chain Fob

Remember back when you bought a new car and they gave you a token of their appreciation for being a loyal customer? Here is one such item, a Harris Ford key chain fob. No automatic car starter or heated seats in these old vehicles. If you left your headlights on, your battery would be dead after a few hours. Much simpler times then, without a need for ten keys for opening doors. The cashier didn't need to scan the barcode on your grocery store loyalty card on your key fob because the cashier at your neighborhood food market most likely knew you by name. 

Harris Ford was located at 150 East 12th St. in Erie, PA. There was a cluster of new and used car dealers on Twelfth Street at the time.

Enjoy more fun facts and photos of historic Erie, Pennsylvania at: Old Time Erie

Buy Your '14 Hudson at the Star Garage

Are you ready to hit the road and tour the country in your '14 Hudson? Do you have visions of riding with the top down and your hair blowing in the breeze? You probably would not want to venture too far in this vehicle, because this model was not made in 2014...it was released in 1914. A brand new Hudson Six cost $2,250 and featured a 40-horse power six-cylinder engine and had a wheel base of 135 inches. 

Forget about the modern conveniences like front-wheel drive, power steering, power brakes and shocks. This was one bumpy ride. The Hudson Motor Car Company might sound familiar, and for good reason. The sleek Hudson Hornet was a NASCAR champion in the fifties.

The Star Garage, located at 609-613 French Street in Erie, PA, across the street from the public library. It was owned by Albert L. Nelson. Ads in travel guides touted the Star Garage Company as the Erie's only fireproof garage. Nelson's dealership sold Stearns, Hudson and REO automobiles and Alco trucks. They sold new vehicles and repaired cars.

Here's an interesting fact about the Star Garage. "Earl Sandt and his brother, Walter J., have sold the Star Garage, 613 French Street, to A. L. Nelson, owner and manager of the Park Garage adjoining the Star property. The Sandt bothers have taken up aviation and their engagements as flying men are interfering with their garage business." -Automobile Topics, September 7, 1912.

It's no wonder Earl didn't have time to run his garage. "First Flight Across the Great Lakes. On February 20th, Earl Sandt, a young biplane pilot, flew from Erie, Pennsylvania 40 miles across the lake to Port Rowan, Canada. He had a mishap during his return trip while ten miles out above Lake Erie from North East, PA and fell on the ice. His machine was wrecked and he lay unconscious for several hours. He finally regained consciousness and managed to walk to shore guided by a pocket compass. He did not reach North East until 10 p.m. He was finally discovered by some skaters and was rescued. That he escaped with his life after his perilous trip is well nigh miraculous." -Scientific American, March 2, 1912.

None of the buildings shown in the photo exist today. They were demolished long ago. A surface parking lot currently occupies this site on French Street.

Find more fun facts about Erie, Pennsylvania at: Old Time Erie