A History of Armstrong’s Garage

With Jim Armstrong

Originally published circa 1990

In 1936, George Armstrong established a garage and a dealership for Nash automobiles, had Esso gas pumps and sold Goodyear tires. He shared the building with Foster Kelly on Francis Street. The building still stands. Until recently it still housed Foster Kelly Plumbing, and the big garage of the service station is still there. [Eighth Cannabis]

In 1939, he bought the ford dealership from the Little Brothers, on Colborne Street, where Bert’s Appliances is presently located [Highlands/Superior Propane]. His sons, Sandy, Jerry (who used to work for Grey Coach as a mechanic), and later, Mac ran this business. When World War II was in progress, Sandy and Mac went to war, and Jerry continued on in the business, until the early 1970s. The ownership then went to Doug Emmons, and then Jim Herrington. Then the dealership ended, and Bert’s Appliances bought it.

After the war, Sandy went to Lindsay, where he had a tractor business and a White Rose Service Station, located where Wilson Tire and Battery is now.

Mac took over the City Service Station in Fenelon Falls in 1957. He was later joined by Sandy, who sold Ford cars. The City Service Station became B.P. (British Petroleum) in the late 60s. Mac acquired the BP fuel oil business behind the service station, and had 3 delivery trucks. His son, Jim, who was a licensed mechanic took over the service station in 1965, after having worked for his father before. The present site of this business is unoccupied, but formerly housed Fenelon Transmission and repair, owned by Joe Kerr Jr. [later Jug City, now Lily’s Variety]

In 1974, Jim bought the Gulf Station from Aub Lyon, and operated it until June 1988. In 1986, it became a Petro-Can station. When Jim sold it, it was renovated, and became Texas Burger.