 Tony
Stimler and two mechanics are pictured here in the repair department of
the new garage which was built in 1911. This workshop section was on the east
end of the building. Through the window at the left can be seen the old horse
barn and livery stable that stood on the site of the Benton Coop Association
building.
In the picture from (left to
right) were: Grover Halverson, a farmer from Glendorado, who came to Foley
as a mechanic. He remained with the Stimler Garage for a few years and then
moved across the street in 1915 to the Katchmazenski Blacksmith Shop and
started his own garage. The stone blacksmith shop is the corner part of the
Foley Produce building.
Tony
Stimler, owner of the garage, is in the center.
At the right was Robert Balder
of Duelm, who was the head mechanic. Balder had gas pumps in Duelm
later near the Chmielewski Store for about 3 years and then started his own
garage in Duelm which he operated for 40 years.
One of the early cars is in
the shop for repair. The wood spoke wheels had demountable rims which had
to be taken off to change a tire. The lights on the front of the car were
carbide lights which were the main lights. The lights on the back of the
early cars were kerosene lights. The side lights near the top of the hood
would be lighted sometimes. The folding hood could be raised on either side
with a snap clamp holding it in place. A leather strap fastened the top at
the front on the side of the windshield. The solid glass windshield was in
two sections and was centered on a pivot at each side so the windshield
could be tilted for air. The only instrument on the dashboard was a
speedometer.
-- from "Picture Story of Early Foley Days"
Benton County News, Foley, Benton County, Minnesota
Wednesday, June 21, 1978
Photo from Joe Kotsmith Foley Historical Collection
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