Petersen’s Garage

This thermometer was a recent gift to the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center. According to an article in the Sandusky Register Star News of October 24, 1944, Arthur J. Petersen opened a small repair garage on Bell Street in 1923. From 1926 until his retirement in 1982, he ran Petersen’s Garage at 316 Scott Street.  The article noted that Mr. Petersen and four employees were kept busy with repairs to automobiles. 

This brief excerpt described the success of the garage:“Mr. Petersen’s success in the garage business can be readily traced to his ability to quickly estimate a job, obtain parts and complete work with no more delay than is absolutely necessary.” And as the article noted, Mr. Petersen was aware of the need to keep the vehicles of war workers in proper running condition. 

Arthur J. Petersen passed away on December 20, 1987. He was survived by his wife, a daughter, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. 

Garage at the Corner of West Washington and Jackson Streets

In 1916 and 1917, the Sandusky Motor and Vulcanizing Company operated at the corner of Jackson and West Washington Streets. The business was run by Charles B. Spencer and Linden Scheid. (A portion of the Erie County Courthouse is visible in the background.)

One of the signs on the building advertised “Hupmobile Service.” The Hupmobile was built between 1909 and 1940 in Detroit, Michigan. At the garage repairs were made to automobiles and tires, and oil and grease were sold.

In 1917, Mr. Spencer and Mr. Scheid dissolved their partnership. At least two other garages were in business at this location, until 1925. Sandusky’s third Post Office was built here between 1925 and 1927. The Customs Office and U.S. Weather Bureau also had offices at the Post Office. The Post Office was at this location until 1986, when it moved to 2220 Caldwell Street. In July of 1990, the Merry Go Round Museum opened in the former Post Office building. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. An historic marker was placed at this site in 2001.