21st century technology now allows for an exciting concept in local history. With the advent of satellite aerial views from Bing and Google Earth combined with old news photos, I am creating a new folder in the Hamilton Library Local History collection, giving us a "Then and Now" view of who occupied what building in the past. There will undoubtedly be times when street numbers have changed, but they are in the minority,
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rayfromvillapark said... - Hi Tom. I can't tell you anything about The Motor Shop, at 636 E. State St. It was before my time. I can fill in some blanks on your map. During the late 1940s and early 50s, the building to the left of 636, on the corner, was split into two separate business firms. The left side of the building contained Trenton Packard. Their showroom took up the front of the property. The building behind, with the ramp, was their service department and body repair shop. The right side of the building contained a Hudson dealership. The name escapes me. Possibly Trenton Hudson. The corner lot was for used cars and parking. Around 1955, Reese Buick, the firm that bought out Brock Buick, opened in this building, taking up the complete front of the building. In 1957, Coleman Buick bought out Reece and opened at this location. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Spruce St., where they remained for many years. The building to the right of 636, was Keats Studebaker, during the same time frame. Their service department entrance was on Monmouth St. I believe it was 1956,when they dropped Studebaker and became a Ford dealership, later ending up on N. Olden Avenue Extension for many years. I enjoyed making stops at these locations, because they really were old style buildings that had a certain charm and nostalgia. I remember seeing my first 1956 Ford 2 dr Parklane station wagon right inside the front door at Keats. It was Ford's answer to the Chevrolet Nomad. The building to the far right of the map with the cars spread around was, I believe, Fitzgibbon Auto Body. I'm not sure of the connection between this outfit and the truck and coach building firm Fitzgibbon and Crisp, which in earlier years were located in town on Bank St. and possibly S. Warren. Perhaps you can clear this up in your archives. Well, I've gone on too long. Best regards, Ray Paszkiewicz
