You have claimed that you know what my name is, But your guesses so far have been wrong,

For I’m still an illusive will-o—the-wisp,

And to you- I’m a Contretemps.21

The old timers would marvel at today’s fuel injected, air condi- tioned, computer controlled automobiles equipped with air bags, bur— glar alarms, telephones, power seats, and stereophonic sound systems. They might not be impressed, however, with the congestion and air pollution and might well recommend we return to the horse and buggy.

Filling Stations

The Island’s first car owners were allowed to drive their vehicles only on certain roads, on certain days, and at certain times of the day. However, cars quickly grew in numbers and popularity with the coming of the war; by 1920 properly registered vehicles could be operated almost anywhere and at anytime. Gasoline pumps soon appeared in front of country stores to satisfy the demands of the rapidly growing market. The gasoline pumps eventually displaced the hitching post of

horse and buggy days.

The demand for products and service by the motoring public led to the establishment of the original automobile service center, the rural Filling Stations. Heath Chisholm and Earl Boulter recognized the mar- ket potential and built North Tryon’s first filling station in 1919 on the site once occupied by the Orange Hall. They hired William Pooley to operate their new venture. Will purchased the business from Chisholm and Boulter in 1925 and moved it across the road to a site besideJames

Will Pooley Garage and gas pump. Myron Dawson collection.

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