McKinley Heights Memories Part 4

McKinley Heights Memories–Part 1. McKinley Heights Memories–Part 2. McKinley Heights Memories–Part 3. McKinley Heights Memories–Part 5.	McKinley Heights Memories Part 4. 1984 Times Special Edition–By Mary Jane Steffey Going South from the corners toward the city limits of Girard, we find Biviano’s floor covering and antique store which started in business in 1954 and expanded to its present capacity in 1957. It has been in business continuously at the same spot. At the Girard limits there is another neighborhood tavern, The Beer and Keg. Across the street, Fruehauf Truck Trailer Sales straddles across the line of Girard and McKinley Heights. Two other truck terminals adjacent are Tauro’s Dump Truck Service, who hauls slag, sand and gravel. The other terminal is the C C C truck terminal, which rents commercial trailers. Finelli’s provides the necessary plumbing and heating know-how in any emergency. They are presently in the same building as Bianco Marine. They have taken care of plumbing services for many years.

Although most of the business establishments are centered on Route 422, going West on Robbins Avenue, Dean Dravis has been operating a tonsorial parlor for men for over fifteen years. Since long hair for men and boys has become popular, Dean fills in the time between their hair cuts fixing lawn mowers. In the same building are the Wing Kitchen and Bath Contractors. Across the street Milady can receive the latest in hair styling and coloring, manicures, and beauty supplies at Raphael’s Beauty School and Supply House. Students have graduated from this school to become managers and operators in the best salons in neighboring towns. The school has been in operation for seven years. Joe Palermo has been in the tire business next door to Raphael’s. He has been servicing and selling tires for cars, trucks, and heavy equipment for thirty years. Lawson’s has opened a new convenience store within the last year, and an older business – Honda of Niles Motorcycle Sales and Service has opened under new management. There is also Rossi’s Used Car Lot. At this end of McKinley Heights, the neighborhood bar is the Robbins Avenue Lounge.

The McKinley Heights Trailer Park was the first one in the area, it had been in this location since 1953. Photo dated 1976. PO1.410	An entreprenuer by the name of Ralph Robinson interested a Salem industrialist, Sam Keener, to develop a park and sales for Mobile Homes on Route 422. Part of the original Campbell farm, which in 1950 belonged to the Woolsey family was purchased and space for 48 mobile homes was provided. The park opened in 1952. Mr. Keener died in 1955, then it was turned over to his son-in-law, William Butler, who expanded it to its present capacity of 220 mobile homes. The park contains 9 streets and covers an area of 14 acres. In 1972 the park was sold to Ernest Fleck, former owner of Fleck Pontiac. The park boasts of a new and modern laundromat and dry cleaning establishment opened in 1976 by Daryl Gordon of Warren. Mr. Robert Duganne is the present manager. There are many residents who have lived in the park many years, but Mr. and Mrs. Henry Webber moved here in 1953, and have lived here continuously since then. Mr. Webber at one time helped to manage the park.