The cover of the 2024 South Williamsport High School football program includes the statement, “Try that in a small town.” The words of the Jason Aldean hit song have nothing to do with football, but its sentiments have everything to do with life in small towns across the country. The song’s lyrics further state, “See how far you make it down the road. Round here, we take care of our own.”
The small town of South Williamsport will soon be losing an iconic part of its fabric with the recent announcement that the family-owned Stroble’s Garage will be closing its doors on November 15. For the past 76 years, the business has been a mainstay in keeping residents’ vehicles running and on the road, and just like Aldean’s song, they have been taking care of their own!
“It is just time to retire,” explained owner Rich Stroble. “I am 68 years old, and I’m getting burned out. I’ve had a double knee replacement, a bad back, and the shoulders hurt, and these signals let you know when it is time.”
Stroble’s Garage opened for business in the Borough in 1948. They started the business in a small three-bay garage below Linden Street on the river side of the street.
Following high school, Rich Stroble held a variety of jobs along the way and originally wanted to become a carpenter until the opportunity to enter the family business presented itself.
“The original owner, Bucky Stroble, was my uncle, and I was his replacement in 1980. For the next twenty-two years, I worked in the business for his two sons, Earl & Ed. On October 1, 2002, my wife, Suzanne, and I bought the business, and now, twenty-two years later, it is time to sell and retire.
“Buying the business has made a better life for me and my family. I’ve been able to support the family and put my two daughters through college.
“Running a small business has its challenges and I’m appreciative of those employees who have worked with me; probably 15 or so over the years, The technology associated with the business is getting more complicated. Today, everything is computerized, and it is getting harder to keep up with all the new advancements.”
When asked about memories from his business years, Stroble was reflective.
“The relationship we’ve had with the customers has meant everything to me. Without the customers, we wouldn’t be here. The main thing I’d like to convey to everybody is to thank them immensely for being such good customers all these years. We are into the fourth and fifth generations of people that have come through here. It is a legacy.
“When you think back, the major memory is accumulative. There have been so many really good people who have entrusted us with their vehicles. They have been so loyal. Grandfathers would send their sons here, and those sons would send their own sons here. It has all been good.
“As has been the case with many small businesses, Covid had its effect on our business as did the ups and downs of the economy; people just don’t have the money right now. When their car needs $500 or $600 worth of repairs, that is a problem. I’ve always tried to help people that way and extend them some credit. That has probably been the biggest issue, especially the past few years.”
My personal gratitude for this small-town business occurred just days following my discharge from the Air Force. Arriving back in town with a wife and two small children, as I was looking for a job my car broke down. I was devasted. Not knowing where to turn, someone suggested, “Take your car to Stroble’s Garage.” Not knowing what to expect, I did just that.
After the repairs were completed, I arrived at the garage to pick up my car. I was confronted with a large sign stating, “Terms, cash.” The bill was a few hundred dollars (big money at the time, which I did not have). Nervously explaining that I didn’t have the cash to pay the bill, I was expecting the worst. Instead, I was told, ‘Don’t worry about it; just pay us when you can.’
Can you imagine trying that in most towns these days? From that day forward, I automatically became a most appreciative Stroble’s Garage customer.
Stroble explained, “The new owner has plans to make the location a convenience store. I don’t know if this will include gas pumps. They do own a store in Nisbet and the Duboistown car wash. The current building will remain and renovated, and the rental properties associated with the building will be kept.”
The last day of business is set for November 15, and the actual closing on the property is November 22. On Saturday, November 23, an auction open to the public will be held beginning at 9:30 a.m., with all garage equipment available for purchase.
Rich Stroble indeed tried it in a small town, and the town appreciated the services he provided. His upcoming retirement has him looking forward to hunting and fishing and trying to complete the ever-expanding honey-do list.
