The Times Bulletin of Van Wert, Ohio, ran a nice story about Webb’s one-stop that once served travelers north of Convoy in the far western part of the state. The story focuses on Larry Webb, whose family owned it. Larry is active in the LHA and Ohio LH activities.
At left, L-R, are the owners of the business around the time of purchase: Jenny Webb (Larry’s mother), Ola Wherry (grandmother), Myron Webb (father), and Harry Wherry (grandfather). Courtesy Larry Webb
Webb’s Hi-Speed Service Station, Restaurant, and Tourist Cabins actually had opened in 1931 under different owners, then in 1946, Webb’s parents and grandparents bought the business. They lived in the restaurant building along with Larry and his sister. When the road was widened in the 1960s, it took out the pumps, and with business already declining, they closed. The cabins are gone too, but the garage remains as does the restaurant, now a private home at the corner of Lincoln Highway and Convoy-Heller Road.
Tags: Convoy, gas station, highway, Ohio, one-stop, tourist cabins, Van Wert, Webb
Lincoln Highway News 
December 27, 2007 at 10:03 am |
Great article. I especially liked the reply his father gave Larry as to why he waited until his son moved out to replace the reel-mower with a lawn tractor.
Another great story from Van Wert would be the 80+ year old woman who is still waitressing at Balyeats and has been doing that pretty much ever since she came to the US from Germany after WWII as a warbride.
Had a long talk with her a couple years ago. Quite a character.
Thanks for the postcard of the place.
By the way, I am a Trip Advisor on the RTA, Roadtrip America Forum, and as a Christmas present, the editor sent me a copy of your great book, “Greetings.”
December 27, 2007 at 10:56 am |
Yeah, loved the lawn-mowing story. Last time we were in Balyeat’s, they had slices of pie on the counter for 50 cents each! That was a nice gift, but now I guess you have two!