Rainier Oregon Historical Museum
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Signal, Enco and Exxon Service Stations,
Neb's Auto and Truck Repair, and Thompson's Auto Parts store.
Located on the southeast corner of East B St (Hwy 30) and E 3rd St. (307 E C St.)


Photo is looking Southeast towards the Chase Service Signal Station taken in the 1950s by Kingsley Foshaug. Contributed by Kay (Foshaug) Heflin.

The Signal Gas station was opened in 1940 by R.W. Reimer, at the corner of East Third and B Streets. Ten months later the station was purchased by John A. Timoney. This began a long list of owners and operators. The most notable history was that an explosion of gas fumes underground destroyed the station in 1946, and in 1950 it was destroyed by a fire when Harold Foshaug owned the station. The most memorable and longest owner of the station was Merle Chase, who operated Chase's Signal station from 1953 until May of 1969. Merle's beloved black lab, Bosco, welcomed customers and was the guardian of the station. The Signal station became the Enco station in August of 1969 under the new ownership of Ed Larsen, from Clatskanie. In 1972 the Enco station, changed to the Exxon, under the ownership of Merle Goldsby. Bob Nebecker bought the building in 1975, and it became Neb's Auto and Truck Repair until 1997. Neb sold the building to Jim Thompson, and it became Thompson’s Auto Parts store. It closed sometime in early 2000, and has remained vacant since. Written by Kay Heflin January 22, 2020.
   

The vacant building (as shown in 2015) where the Dibblee barn once stood in late 1800s and the Signal Service Station and the businesses that followed.

   

The image at left, taken from a 1889 illustration of Rainier from the West Shore magazine, looks south from the Columbia River. It shows the Dibblee house, their apple orchard to the north and barn to the southwest. Per a 1963 article (*) by Eleanor Abraham, she wrote that "the barn was located where Merle Chase now has his service station." The photo at right, looking Northeast, was taken by Mike Clouse in about 1969. It shows the Enco station where the Dibblee barn once stood. When a street was added cutting through the Dibblee's backyard, the front door, that was facing North, was moved to the South side to face the new street. At the time this photo was taken the Dibblee house was home to the Clouse family where Mike's mom Oleta had her store "Twin Gables Antiques." As of 2019, the Dibblee house, built in 1851, stood empty. (*) From the Longview Daily News "Mrs. Kent Leaving 96-Year-Old Family Homestead In Rainier."
Chronological history of the Signal, Enco and Exxon Service Stations, Neb's Auto and Truck Repair, and Thompson's Auto Parts store.
Click on newspaper clippings and images to enlarge
Image
Description
February 1940 - R. W. Reimer opens new Signal Service Station

Mr. Reimer, from Portland, opened a new 26 by 38 foot Signal Service Station on the southeast corner of B (Hwy 30) and East Third street. From the February 1, 1940 Rainier Review.
December 1940 - John Timoney takes over Signal Service Station from R. W. Reimer

John Timoney took over the Rainier Signal Service Station that was started in February 1940 by R. W. Reimer. Mr. Reimer and his wife returned to Portland. The Signal station was the sixth service station operating in Rainier at that time. From the December 5, 1940 Rainier Review.
April 1942 - John Timoney closes Signal Service Station, leases Ingold station

John Timoney closed the Signal Service Station after he purchased the lease on the General Petroleum station at the intersection of Longview bridge road and the highway. From the April 16, 1942 Rainier Review. John Timoney ran the General Petroleum station until Les Ingold returned from his service during WWII.
September/October 1943 - John Clark leases Signal Service Station

John Clark, who formerly operated the White Lunch, was mentioned in the September 9, 1943 issue of the Rainier Review to had leased the Signal Service Station. In the October 7, 1943 Rainier Review it announced that John Clark, after spending several days painting, cleaning and adding new stock, had opened for business the day before.
November 1944 - Clifford Middaugh opens Signal Service Station

Sometime in the previous year John Clark relinquished his lease on the Signal Service Station and Clifford Middaugh took over in November 1944. From the November 30, 1944 and December 21, 1944 Rainier Reviews.
February 1945 - John Clark thinks of opening new restaurant

John Clark, after leaving the Signal Service Station, contemplated in February 1945 to open a new restaurant. He at one time owned the White Lunch in Rainier, but closed it when he went to work at a Portland shipyard. In September 1943 he leased the Signal Service Station that had been operated by John Timoney, but sometime in the coming year he gave it up. From the February 15, 1945 Rainier Review.
May / August 1945 - Perry Clayton - Run away car and death

Perry Clayton gained control of the Signal Service Station possibly by the spring of 1945, owing to the May 17, 1945 Rainier Review article of his car running away down East 3rd street from the Signal Service Station. In the Rainier Review dated August 30, 1945 it reported that Perry Clayton, only 21, had died in a traffic accident leaving behind a wife and child. He was buried at Longview Memorial Park in Longview Washington.
September 1945 - John Clark returns to the Signal Service Station

Following the death of Perry Clayton, John Clark resumes operation of the Signal Service Station. From the September 13, 1945 Rainier Review.
December 1945 - Donald S. Mortensen

In the November 22, 1945 issue of the Rainier Review it reported that Donald S. Mortensen took over control of the Signal Service Station from John Clark on November 17, 1945. A notice appeared in the December 13, 1945 issue stating that the Signal Service Station was under new management.
February 1946 - Explosion Wracked Signal Gas Station To Be Built New

The Signal Service Station was practically destroyed when gas fumes that had accumulated under the floor had ignited on January 31, 1946. Mr. Mortensen vows to rebuild. From the February 7, 1946 Rainier Review.
June 1946 - Mortensen's Signal Service Station reopens following explosion

After the explosion that destroyed Donald Mortensen's Signal Service Station he expected to have a new structure built in 20 working days. It however took more than four months to complete. The new station is bigger and better equipped than the last one. Opening day was June 15, 1946. From the June 13, 1946 Rainier Review.
June 1947 - Thomas Stout buys Signal Service Station

Donald Mortensen sold the Signal Service Station to Thomas Stout effective June 17, 1947. Thomas Stout had worked with Donald Mortensen in the station in the past. From the June 19, 1947 Rainier Review.
November 1947 - Thomas Stout moves to Mobilgas, Harold Foshaug and Lyle Chase take over the Signal Service Station

Thomas Stout left the Signal Service Station to take over the Mobilgas station upon retirement of John Timoney on Sunday November 9, 1947. Harold Foshaug and Lyle Chase then assumed operation of the Signal Service Station. Their station then became H & L Signal Service. Harold Foshaug had a motor tune-up business at the Mobilgas station. He continued this service at Signal Service that had more room. Lyle Chase had been with the Barker Motor Company in Rainier. From the November 13, 1947 Rainier Review.
December 1948 - H & L Signal Service Christmas advertisement

Harold Foshaug and Lyle Chase's Christmas advertisement from the December 23, 1948 Rainier Review.
November 1949 - Harold Foshaug buys out Lyle Chase's share of H & L Signal Service

Harold Foshaug purchased Lyle Chase's share of the H & L Signal Service. He renamed it Rainier Signal Service Station. From the November 24, 1949 Rainier Review.
December 1949 - Rainier Signal Service Station Christmas advertisement

Harold Foshaug's Christmas advertisement from the December 22, 1949 Rainier Review.
January 1950 - Lyle Chase takes over station at Barker Motor Co.

Lyle Chase, who was formerly a partner at the H & L Signal Service station, took over the service station department at Barker motor Company. He started working there after the first of the year. The department was known as Lyle's Lube Department. From the Janaury 5, 1950 Rainier Review.
Thanksgiving 1950 - Fire destroys Signal Station

Harold Foshaug's Tune-up and Signal station burned and was completely destroyed on Thanksgiving night, November 23. It was reported that Mr. Foshaug will rebuild the station soon. From the December 7, 1950 Rainier Review.
April 1951 - New Signal Station Work Under Way

New work on the Signal Service Station started Wednesday morning on April 11. Up until then Harold Foshaug kept his business open starting first with just keeping gas pumps in operation, and using temporary sheds in which to do work. From the April 12, 1951 Rainier Review.
July 1951 - Harold's Signal Station

Harold Foshaug had his "Grand Opening" of his new Signal Service Station on July 7 and 8, 1951 after the completion of his new building to replace the one destroyed in a fire Thanksgiving day 1950. From the July 5, 1951 Rainier Review.
November 1951 - Harold Foshaug Moving Business, Lyle Chase to take over Signal Service Station

Harold Foshaug moved to the W. J. Silva garage building that was being vacated by H. R. Barker. Barker moved to a new location. Lyle Chase then took over operation of the Signal Service Station. From the November 29, 1951 Rainier Review.
December 1951 - Lyle's Signal Service

Advertisement for Lyle's Signal Service Station. From the December 6, 1951 Rainier Review.
February 1953 - Merle Chase Buys Signal Oil Station

Merle Chase purchased the Signal Service Station from his brother Lyle. Lyle continued working for one week while Merle finished out his time at the Longview Fibre Company. Lyle planned to work at an insurance company in Clatskanie, but will still reside in Rainier. From the February 5, 1953 Rainier Review.
May 1953 - Signal Service Station Burglarized

Merle Chase's Signal station service was burglarized Friday night, with the loss of $169.10, he reported to the police. From the May 22, 1958 Rainier Review.
1950s and 60s - Merle Chase

Merle Chase next to one of the pumps at his Signal Service Station.
Bosco Chase, the Signal Station Dog

February 1963 - Bosco Chase Recovers from Strike by Auto

Bosco, the big, black and friendly Labrador was back on the job at Chase's Service after having been clobbered by a car. From the February 7, 1963 Rainier Review.

1967 - Bosco Says

Bosco says -- "When your car is getting sluggish go to Chase's for a tuneup!" From the RUHS 1967 year book.

March 1969 - Bosco Burns Foot

Bosco, the big, black Labrador guardian of Chase's Service was limping around with a sore foot, possibly from stepping into a puddle of gas or some other strong liquid. Bosco has been observed to be an excellent judge of people. He accepts passersby with calmness, but recently had to be restrained when a Hippie delegation walked by. From the March 27, 1969 Rainier Review.

Memories of Bosco

Janet Nix: I remember Bosco for sure! And Merle saying, "Dang your hide, Bosco!" (January 2020 Facebook).

Ellen Gray-Davis: My brother Mike worked there and once in a while Bosco would wander off and Mike would have to find him and bring him back (January 2020 Facebook).

Red Coffman: I remember one time Elaine woke up and said "Merle some ones downstairs." Sure enough there's a guy there having something to eat with Bosco right beside him. Off the guy goes. If I remember right, he also left with all the stuff out of the their freezer. (August 2011 Facebook).
December 1968 - Chase's Enco Service

A December 1968 Christmas advertisement Shows Merle Chase's station as Chase's Enco Service. From the December 26, 1968 Rainier Review.
Enco Station - About 1969

Photo of the Enco Station with Mike Clouse in the foreground with his motorcycle. He was in front of his mom Oleta Clouse's Twin Gables Antiques store that was the former Dibblee house. Photo was taken about 1969. Photo contributed by Mike Clouse.
May 1969 - Merle Chase Leaves to manage new Shell Station

Merle Chase leaves Chase Service station to take over management of new Shell Station. From the May 22, 1969 Rainier Review.
August 1969 - Larsen's took over Enco Station

Larsen's took over the Enco Station, at B and East Third on the highway in Rainier, and will run it in conjunction with their station in Clatskanie. Charles Pickens was picked to be the Rainier manager. Grand opening was August 21, 22 & 23, 1969. From the August 21, 1969 Rainier Review.
Janaury 1970 - Ted Weiman replaces Charles Pickens as manager

Charles Pickens, manager of the Larsen Enco station in Rainier, returned to the Larsen station in Clatskanie and was replaced Ted Weiman. From the Janaury 29, 1970 Rainier Review.
July 1970 - Dean Brockman buys Larsen's Enco Service

The July 2, 1970 Rainier Review announced the purchase of Larsen's Enco Service by Dean Brockman. Brockman kept the Larsen name for awhile as shown in an ad that appeared in the July 30, 1970 Rainier Review. Later he changed the name to Dean's Enco Service as shown in the December 23, 1971 issue.

Per Ardy Roberts (Facebook May 9, 2015): Dean Brockman had it when it closed down in 1972. His house burnt to the ground in1972 it was on thistle hill the place we now own. I heard he went bankrupt closed the station and left town but don't know for sure. It was an Enco station when he had it.
June 1972 - Ron & John's Enco Open to the Public

The Enco service station on East Third and B Street was reopened last Friday under the name of Ron and John's Enco. Partners in the enterprise are Ron Pruitt and John Buitendyak. From the June 1, 1972 Rainier Review.
August 1972 - Goldsby open Enco Station

The Merle Goldsby family reopened the Enco station service that had recently closed. Mrs. Goldsby and a son Myron, who just returned from Vietnam, will operate it, while Mr. Goldsby will retain his job as a mobile mechanic at Montgomery Ward in Longview. He will take on auto repair work during his off hours. From the August 10, 1972 Rainier Review.
November 1972 - Goldsby's Enco Station becomes Exxon

Advertisement announces the Goldsby Enco station becoming Exxon. "We're changing our name, but not our stripes." From the November 16, 1972 Rainier Review.
Februaary 1973 - Goldsby Closes Exxon Station

On Febraury 24, 1973 M. M. Goldsby announced that their Exxon Service Station was closed. The station had been robbed twice. They had no insurance and the expense was too great to try and replace all that had been taken. From the March 1, 1973 Rainier Review.
1975 - Bob Nebeker opens Neb's Auto & Truck Repair

Bob Nebeker opened Neb's Auto & Truck Repair at the site of Goldsby's Exxon station in 1975. Advertisement from the June 2, 1976 Rainier Review.

Per Robin Nebeker Manning, daughter of Bob Nebeker, (Facebook May 9, 2015): My folks bought it in '75. Dad was working at Ford still in'74 when he bought his pick up. It was a mess inside and out when we bought it. I think King Foshaug said it'd been vacant for awhile. The rear addition was added at the beginning of the'80s (I think the summer before the big snow in 80). The front was later--mid 80s. My fond memories of the shop are innumerable. Dad sold the business in 1997 to Jim Thompson. His mother bought the building. I don't remember exactly how long before he closed the doors.

After Bob Nebeker sold the building in 1997 to Jim Thompson, it became Thompson's Auto Parts store. As of 2020 the building has remained vacant since the auto parts store closed sometime in the early 2000s.

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