Steve Ackerman: My brother Terry Ackerman owns this. A few years ago he wrote a history of it from his best recollections of his many conversations with our grandpa, Carl Klingel. "Terry Ackerman... I can give a little history on the station as I'm fortunate to be current owner. It was built in 1928 by my Great Grandfather Ed Klingel. First day of business was January 1 1929 and while we haven't been able to determine an exact day of closing it, it was sometime prior to 1968. Ed ran it for the most part with assistance from his son Carl (my Grandpa) and other family members. Ed was injured when a tractor and wagon he was driving on St Rt 98 was hit just south of here on the hill of 98. That limited Eds ability to take care of station and farm duties and Carl was unable to keep up with regular business hours because of his time needed to farm and milk and care for He and Luellas' dairy cows. Tires, batteries, gas, oil, belts, and light auto repair were all offered at this station. They also supplied the fuel and oil needs for the stone quarry just east of here beside the Olentangy river. Grandpa said they always had to have an extra dose of cash in the till on Fridays because many who worked at the quarry would come there to cash there check and fill up their tanks. First gas sold there was .16 cents a gallon. When it got as high as .27 cents Grandpa said they would sometimes run a "special" 4 gallons for a DOLLAR !!!! 😁
At one time there were three stations very similar to this one between Waldo and Bucyrus, this is the only one left today.
It is common to see people stop by and take pictures. Numerous car and motorcycle clubs have come to get pictures with a nozzle stuck in the tank. Many have had Senior and family pictures taken professionally and other wise too. Some have been kind enough to send or give me copies of such pictures which I enjoy and have space on the walls of my office and home for more. I, like my Grandpa never mind having people stop by to look and take pictures and such, only ask that the property be respected and left same as you found it.
As some have said, many have inquired regarding purchasing any or all of the pumps out front and how nice they would look by their shop or garage. I understand and appreciate that sentiment ..... I kinda like the way they look in front of this station too ☺
In all the years I've been at this farm, I believe Grandpa and I have heard about every possible suggestion what kinds of things it should be used for and how it should be kept up, we've had some of our own ideas as well. Photographers are nearly unanimous in the old rustic look, " Don't paint a thing!" Is heard often. The one that intrigued me the most was a local barber who told me after he had a shop that he would have liked to use the station, I thought that would have been pretty cool if we were able to have done it. In the meantime, I'm happy to gaze upon it at times and think about the family history that's unfolded in and around it's walls. This farm has been in the family since 1836 and is a registered Ohio Historical Homestead, thanks mostly to the work and diligence of my Aunt Candy Makowski.
Grandpa and I often had a good chuckle when he would repeat some of the stories that were told by the people who gathered there around it's pot belly stove on a cold winter's day. I still smile when white haired old timers tell how they trudged across the fields to buy a nickel candy bar here, sadly those are getting more rare each year. It's also a terrific way to help someone find me when traveling here from near or far for a delivery or visit.
Many have mentioned and told me stories about the days of moonshine, some true, others, simply lore told by people who don't know, but like to tell a good story. I do KNOW that my Grandpa was embarrassed and for the most part ashamed of it all. He was a young boy in school during that time and mentioned often of being teased and told by children and others his Dad was a jailbird among other things. Because of that he rarely talked, nor cared to talk about that breif part of this stations history.
Not long ago, I was honored that it was chosen to be on the Marion Secret Treasures tour. That was a fun summer and had a chance to visit and give mini tours and visit with some about their experience at the station among other things, when we had time. Over a hundred people signed the guest book as I recall.
Hope this satisfied some curiosity, interest, and questions regarding the station, all are welcome to stop by for a look and pictures and I would even enjoy the visit when I have the time. I don't hang out on Facebook much anymore but will try to check in from time to time if more questions need answered. Good day ALL!!!"
The comments had several photos of an old car in front of the pumps. Here are the photos without a car.
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