Louis Knecht, who had operated an Oldsmobile dealership on U. S. 51 at First Street, retired January 1, 1968, and James Hinthorne now operates a garage there. M. J. Blan opened a trailer sales and service agency there in May, 1964, which he operated until his death. The J. J. Trailer Service, operated by John Janssen of Minonk, is now located there.
Robert W. Rebbec has operated a Buick-Pontiac dealership since 1952 at the corner of Front and Cherry Streets. In recent years he acquired the old theatre building, which was razed, and this space is used for a used car lot. In 1973 Mr. Rebbec was awarded the dealership for Oldsmobile so he is now a dealer for Buick, Pontiac, and Oldsmobile cars. Mr. Rebbec maintains a complete service department and employs about 8 people. Robert E. Rebbec, his son, assists him with the business.
On February 15, 1957 Eugene Heller purchased the Foltz Motor Company located on Front Street. He operated his Ford Agency at that location until November of 1962 when he built a new building on Route 24 at the West edge of El Paso. In 1965 Mr. Heller started a leasing business in connection with his Ford dealership and still leases cars and trucks. About three years ago he purchased a building near his business which had been empty for many years owned by Mr. Ernest Stimpert who had operated an Allis Chalmers dealership there. This building is used as a body shop. When Dan Heller, Gene's son, graduated from high school in 1971 he joined his father in the business. Heller Ford Sales employ eight full time people.
El Paso has three body shops. William Bowman has operated Bowman's Body Shop for many years, and it is located at 17 S. Sycamore Street. He is assisted in this business by David Barker. David Porter has operated a body shop for a number of years, and in 1973 his father, Harold Porter, joined him in the business. Their shop is located on Route 24 east. Heller Ford Sales also operates a body shop.
There are two barber shops in El Paso. John West operates a shop in the basement of the American Dairy Association building which he has operated for about 20 years. He went to barber school when he was 18 years of age, and his first job was with Percy Tucker who operated a barber shop on North Elm Street. Mr. West was a barber on board ship while in the Navy. Steve Chaffin of Hudson bought Jerry Dodson's barber shop in April of 1973. Before coming to El Paso he barbered in Farmer City.
Leland Morgan, owner of The Elms smorgasbord and motel on U. S. 24 at Walnut Street, added a 34 x 60 foot dining room to the north of the original building in 1965. It is designed in colonial style with a seating capacity of 200. It has become a popular place for banquets, receptions, annual meetings of organizations, etc. The Kiwanis Club meets there each week.
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