Source: News-Journal, August 16, 1973, Centennial Section

30th Anniversary

Central Oil Company, Inc. observed its thirtieth anniversary July 1, 1973. The firm was founded by George Willcox in the Russell Kreamer building on Second Street in 1943.

John Isenbarger was Willcox's first customer on his first day of business. Since then the firm has grown to serve over 500 customers in the fuel and service business.

Central Oil moved to its present location on West Main when the Kreamer building was leased to Jack Pinney Chevrolet in 1945. Willcox carried cement and blocks to the brick layers who constructed his present building. Central Oil began operations from its new location in February of 1946.

When Central Oil was a service station it was one of the first not to operate on Sunday. part of the reason for Sunday closing was a labor shortage during World War II. Even though other stations remained open on Sunday the station continued to attract new customers and continued to grow.

Central Oil was incorporated in 1961 when Paul Ebbinghouse, Don Brown and Beulah Smith joined Willcox in ownership of the business.

At that time Brown and Ebbinghouse attended furnace repair schools so they could provide burner service for their customers. They take refresher courses each summer and provide night and day service for their customers.

Other employees who work with the company are Ralph Warren, who hauls fuel oil to North Manchester, and Theron Rupley who helps with local delivery.

Source: Ravelings (1946) Ad:

CENTRAL OIL CO.
721 W. Main St.
North Manchester, Indiana
Phone 555
Here Is the Place To Get Your Car Needs

Source: Ravelings (1947) Ad:

CENTRAL OIL COMPANY
701-703 W. Main St.
North Manchester
Phone 487 or 555
For High Grade Gasoline--Motor Oils--Fuel Oils

Source: Aurora (1950) Ad:

EVERYTHING FOR YOUR CAR
Truck or Tractor
METERED AND TICKET PRINTED
Tank Wagon Service
ONCE TRIED
ALWAYS SATISFIED
CENTRAL OIL COMPANY
Phone 555    701-703 W. Main

Source: Ravelings (1952) Ad:

CENTRAL OIL CO.
SHELL    SHELL
Station and Farm Service
Goodyear Tires
"We Serve You With a Smile"
Phone 555
North Manchester    Indiana