Indie Local History
Whit’s End was a live music venue located on the southwest corner of Airport Highway and Fries Avenue. Whit’s End was owned by Frank Pertz and was previously known as Diego’s Restaurant and Cantina (pre-1993). Closed c2000. Became Club Baja for some time. Building demolished c2015. Mobile Lube Express currently occupies the site.
Papenhagen Oldsmobile was owned by Ted Papenhagen. The first location was at 1137 Sylvania Avenue in the former Banham Oldsmobile dealership.
After leaving the military Ted Papenhagen started working at Banham Oldsmobile as a salesman in 1960. He rose through the ranks to become the new car sales manager, general manager, and eventually vice president of the company. Papenhagen purchased Banham Oldsmobile in 1971 and moved the business to a new building on Central Avenue in 1973. Papenhagen Oldsmobile was purchased by general manager Jim Yark in 1980. Yark had been employed with Papenhagen since 1973. The name change on the outside of the building didn’t happen until early 1983.
Continue reading “Papenhagen Oldsmobile – 6019 W. Central Ave.”Opened September, 1960. Closed September, 2017. This location also included a separate Sears Auto Center.
Operated by Joseph Linver. Owned by Ida and Joseph Linver who owned multiple lots adjacent to this location as well, since approximately 1947. An ad for the business first appears in 1950 and a help wanted ad in 1951.
“The Right Music, Right Now.”
92.5 went on the air in 1957. In 1988 WMHE switched to Top 40 and changed its call letters to WVKS, aka “92.5 KISS FM.” In the mid-90s the station was sold. It’s now one of iHeartMedia’s 800+ radio stations.
Opened 1974 by Tommie and Charlotte Smith. Closed(?). Location was later occupied by Thro’ Down Sounds, owned by Robert Mc Cant. Closed.
This house used to sit on the north side of Central Avenue between the Economy Garage and the Melody Inn (between Fairbanks and Piero). Owned by William and Albena Sysok from 1940-1954 and Orval and Irene Nederhouser (Construction/Excavating) 1954 – 1976. It was vacant and demolished in the late 1970’s. The house is also slightly visible next to Butlers’ Body Shop (aka Economy Garage) in the pic below.
Joseph Batdorf used to live at 3403 Zone Avenue in Sylvania Township. It was difficult to miss the place when passing by as a kid on my bike because his entire yard was filled with salvaged materials, with the exception of the driveway. I believe I bought a chrome BMX bike frame from him one time for a few dollars. I suspect American Pickers would have loved to get a look at some of the things Joseph had in that yard.
Opened December 8, 1945. Former location was at 1934-36 W. Central.
Formerly Video Entertainment in c1982. Opened as Video Adventures in 1984 by Emilio Fastuca. In 1989 Video Adventures was owned by John Crowner who owned the store until it closed in 1998.
