Super Service Auto Station

Then: Super Service Auto Station

Photo by Klassic Photo Service as it appeared in the Capital Journal newspaper on June 16, 1926.

Now: ODEC Building

Located at the corner of Ferry and High Streets. Image from Google Earth, accessed March 2024.

Salem Has Most Modern Super Service Auto Station in the Northwest

Original article appeared in the Capital Journal, June 16, 1926, p. 2 and is available here

With the opening today of the new auto super service station at the southeast corner of South High and Ferry streets, Salem may justly claim to have the most modern and best equipped institution of its kind in the Northwest. It will be known as the Four-S – Salem Super Service Station. 

The ground space occupied extends 150 feet on South High and 85 on Ferry. It is owned by Frank D. Bligh and leased to the operating firm of Young and Eckerlin. The location is most central and convenient, one block from State street. The personnel of the new firm is Guy F. Young and Eugene Eckerlin, Jr. both young and active businessmen of Salem who were “buddies” in the World War and members of the famous Company M. They have shown a sound and progressive spirit in choosing their location and rare good taste and judgment in building well and equipping with the best obtainable. 

They will carry and dispense only the highest grades of oil, gas, tires and accessories. 

The main building which is L shaped extends the full length of the property on the East and South sides, leaving an open drive-in frontage of 126 feet on High St. and 41 on Ferry street. On the corner are two Boyle-Dayton visible air-lift gas pumps each of 10 gallon dispensing capacity. These are the largest sized gas pumps made and give the most efficient and satisfactory service in the shortest time. There are in the center aisle of the main station ten lublicating [sic] dispensers, these with ten other auxiliary tanks will make it possible to supply any make of car with the brand and make of oil recommended by the factory. There are numerous free air and water lines that can supply a car in most any part of the station. 

The south end of the building adjoining Vick Brothers is occupied by the tire and accessories departments with ample show rooms and workshop, the floor space here being 47 by 23 feet. Adjoining the workshop on the North is a most complete auto laundry. It has a large skylight and plug-in arrangements for 15 extension light cords. The facilities allow for washing with either hot or cold water, or both and with or without soaps. The latest model Meyers high pressure chassis washer was furnished this department by H. Pohle & Son. A 120 gallon hot water tank with a heavily coiled and quick heating arrangement and lined with fire brick with a specially designed oil burner was built for this particular place. Quality to the last word was required here so W.W. Rosebraugh did the job. This is the first system of its kind in Salem and admits of an almost unlimited capacity for turning out thorough work on short notice. The oil burner will burn the waste oil from the greasing and crank case service departments which adjoins the laundry rooms. 

A feature of vast importance and one that will be highly appreciated by the automobilist is the adequate greasing and crank case service department with a capacity to take care of four cars at a time. There are four docks here on a level with the ground of this department is the most modern type of high pressure Alemite grease gun with a pressure of 3600 pounds to the inch specially designed for using Alemite high power lubricants. This is the largest and most powerful type built by this firm. Adjoining this department is the ladies’ waiting room and next to it is the office. The office desk, tables, chairs and office fixtures and supplies were furnished by the Commercial Book Store. 

The North end of the building will be occupied by R.D. Barton with a complete battery and electrical service department. Mr. Barton’s reputation in this line of work is a valuable asset to the Four-S corner. He has moved from his former location at 171 South Commercial street and is now all set in his admirable new location where he is even better equipped to serve the autoist. 

The architecture of the main building, which occupies the South and East side of the premises, is of modern Mission design and was built by Cuyler Van Patten the builder of the new Elsinore theater and numerous other structures in Salem, all of which reflect credit to his abilities.  

The spacious parkways of more than 5000 square feet was covered with selected small gravel with screenings and rolled to an ideal surface for auto traffic. There are wide and graceful approaches running the full length of the two open sides leading to the main building. The lumber and building materials are from the Spaulding Logging Co. who ever maintain a reputation for the best and have a capacity to supply the builder of the largest or smallest structure upon the shortest notice. 

The hollow building tile was furnished by the Salem Brick and Tile Company as also was the decorative roofing tile used on the ends of the main building which adds a colorful note to the structure. 

All the sheet metal work and plumbing and the asphalt fire proof slate surface shingles were supplied and placed by Nelson Bros. This reliable firm are taking a great pride in the artistic beauty of their line of asphalt shingles, which can be had in many different colors and tones. They are not only fire proof but the colors are sun proof as well and will retain their original color and will not warp or crack. 

The painting and decorating was done by the Hutcheon Paint Store and is up to the high standard always maintained by this reliable firm whose growing trade is the most sincere compliment a firm may have. 

The lighting installations and all the fixtures were supplied and installed by Archie Fleener. It is to his credit that the lighting problems have been so satisfactorily solved. 

All the Whiz products will be featured in their different departments. As a last work and withall a most important one, it may be said that the entire line of the Associated Oil Company’s products will be dispensed at this station. The famous Motor Mates, associated Gas and Cycol Motor Oil will of course lead the list.