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| George Batson's Gas Station, 1942 |
George Arnold financed the
first gas station in Chester Township.* Located on Main Street in Conklin, it had two gas pumps. When Mr. Arnold died,
his wife sold the business to Bernie Lemmen of Coopersville. The station was
managed by Clarence Rhodes until the early 1940’s when the management was taken over by George Batson.
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| Russell Lee's Shell Gas Station, 1959 |
Following George Batson,
the management was taken over by George Seaman. The final manager was Russell
E. Lee. In addition to selling gas, Mr. Lee also sold and repaired tires, did
oil changes and other mechanical repairs, and did body work. When Mr. Lee retired,
the property was sold to Dykstra’s Elevator and the building was demolished.
A second gas station and
garage was operated on the west side of Main Street for several years. This business was started by Daniel Schamber and was
later operated by Lawrence Weis.
*The Coopersville Observer, Friday, July 31, 1931
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