A major renovation on Williamson Road is paying tribute to the street's automotive history.
A former service station built 65 years ago has been restored to its former glory.
Charles Carlin opened the AMOCO station in 1947. Members of his family attended the ribbon cutting Thursday afternoon. So did others who worked there over the years, including State Senator Ralph Smith. His career as an independent auto mechanic began at the station, and he worked at the station from July of 1965 until April of 1966.
"A great idea to have an original Amoco station right here in our original neighborhood," Smith told us.
The station is located near Berglund Chevrolet. The Berglund Automotive Group financed the renovation. Employee Todd Bandy spearheaded the effort. A vintage gasoline pump stands outside the station. Apple Ridge Farm donated advertisements featuring the AMOCO brand.
"We've owned the station for about 15 years," said William Farrell, President of the Berglund Automotive Group. "It was kind of sitting here not in use, and there's a big movement about redoing gas stations. It's what we do. We're in the automobile business. We thought it would be a great way to give back to the community on Williamson Road."
In the 1960s, there were dozens of service stations in the stretch of Williamson Road from Orange Avenue to Peters Creek Road. And preservationists say there are many other historic stations in the region that are waiting for renovation.
Farrell says he's received suggestions for the property, including a shop for automotive collectibles, but for now, the next chapter in the history of Carlin's AMOCO is still to be written.
