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

Penn Theatre in Wesleyville July 4, 1947 parade

Penn Theater and parade on Buffalo Road in Wesleyville July 4, 1947.
Photo courtesy of Nancy Schaffner Coake ©2012.
(Click on image- a larger view will open in a new window)

Penn Theatre in Wesleyville July 4, 1947 parade on Buffalo Rd

The Penn Theatre in Wesleyville holds fond memories for people in Erie, Wesleyville and Lawrence Park. "The Show Off" and "Springtime in the Rockies" appeared on the marquee at the Penn when this photo was taken on July 4, 1947. I love to check out the cars in these old pictures. This was a time of celebration, when people considered it their patriotic duty to honor the war heroes. 

The parade celebrated the dedication of Memorial Field in Wesleyville and was led by returning veterans from each branch of the service. Businesses from left to right include: the Penn Theatre, 2917 Buffalo Rd.; a vacant lot (later the site of Smith Furniture Co. and then Baby Fair at 2911 Buffalo Rd.;, Wright's Ice Cream Bar, 2907 Buffalo Rd.; William Wright Jeweler, 2905 Buffalo Rd.; W. H. Kehr Grocery, 2901 Buffalo Rd.; Eastern Avenue intersects; Mobil Gas Service Station on the southwest corner; Grenz Motors, 2809 Buffalo Rd. 

The Penn Theatre opened on Sept. 15, 1927. Crowds lined the sidewalk along Route 20 to see the movie, "McFadden's Flats." Admission prices in 1927 were: Children 10¢. Matinee 15¢ and Evenings 25¢.

The Erie Playhouse held performances here after the old theater stopped showing movies. Nearly all the buildings visible here have been demolished. Country Fair currently occupies this property on the corner of Buffalo Road and Eastern Ave.

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