LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA

The Republican Centennial Edition, Wapello, Louisa County, Iowa
Thursday, July 12, 1956, Section Three, Page 33
Transcribed by Lynn McCleary, July 4, 2019

PARISH OIL CO. HERE 23 YEARS
Serves 3 Counties and Still Growing

    Parish Oil Company had in start here in Wapello 23 years ago and is growing every day. They had their start in the old station building just south of the Swanson Equipment company on October 15, 1933, when James Guthrie sold out to Lawrence Parish. He purchased his first truck and began the bulk oil operation in March of 1935.

    January 1st, 1938, the station moved to the location known as the Hardy Implement Company and in the spring of that same year the bulk plant was built at the present location. More trucks were purchased and they operated in Grandview, Columbus Junction and Wapello.

    By the time 1940 arrived, the Parish Oil Company had expanded to the point that it was necessary to acquire the new station at the present site which is in use today. This was originally built by Charles Reutinger and completely remodeled in 1946.

    This same year Parish built the building housing the Hi-Way Pantry and again enlarged the present station to the super service station which their many customers enjoy today.

    Proof of the satisfaction of the people of the community, that are the customers, is the fact that today, Parish Oil Company has nine employees and serves all of Louisa County as well as part of Des Moines, County.

    Lawrence Parish is the president of The Parish Oil Company, Incorporated, distributor of Shell Oil Products, Wapello, Ia.