Looking Back: The Old Gas Station

by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society


Today, as I drove over the railroad tracks heading south to the library, I glanced to my left and saw what is left of the old Frantz Home, behind a fence. It’s probably use for storage now. It’s hard to tell.

The once quaint bungalow that graced the corner of Main and 3rd Street was the home of Ray and Ella Frantz. The house set off of the street just a bit. It was surrounded by big old trees and lots of flowers lovingly cared for by “aunt” Ella. Even though it was a house “in town” it was on a large lot that extended to Harris Street. And south of Harris Street was  pasture that was the beginning of Sni-A-Bar Farms. On the edge of town, this little home was practically in the country.

And just north of their home was their business, Frantz Oil Company. It was the only gas station left in downtown Grain Valley.  In fact, in the late 1950s, it was the only gas station in Grain Valley! That was before Bill Officer built and ran the new Phillips 66 Station at the intersection of Main and U. S. 40 Highway; across the street from the high school.

At the new and modern “service” station you could also get an old change, buy new tires, and get some minor repairs. But only at Frantz Oil Company could you sit down in one of the old theater chairs (yes there were three chairs out front that were attached and appeared to have come from an old movie theater) and learn all of the town gossip before noon!
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Pop Frantz, as he was affectionately known, also had a bulk oil business and drove a school bus. (Valley News, July 1, 2021) 

Cliff Seckington, employee during the 1950s. Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society
 
I’m not sure if Cliff was relaxing or waiting for the next customer? You do remember when gas stations were full service? You got your oil checked and your windows washed! Thus, the old wash tub next to the door complete with a wash rag and squeegee. 
 
If you want to know more about the old businesses in town, visit the Grain Valley Historical Society.