Published: September 27, 2008 12:26 am      

Carrying on a family tradition

Jensen Oil Co. celebrates 60 years

CLINTON — When Jensen Oil Co. opened its doors in September 1948, the price of gas was 26 cents a gallon, cars were made to last, and the family-owned gas and service station was the “social hub” of Main Avenue.

“It gets to be a hangout,” said Fred Jensen, who operates the shop along with his wife, Carole, and his son, Chad. “We’ve got farmers who come in here every morning and sit and read the paper. They’ve been doing that for 60 years.”

Originally opened by Fred’s father, Bill, at 218 Main Ave., the station has always provided friendly service and a welcome gathering place for customers and neighbors.

In the early days, the station provided gas delivery to area farmers using its bulk truck and service to the neighborhood vehicles. Thomson’s Tavern across the street served as the station’s “waiting room,” and farmers came in from the west and north of Clinton to learn the latest news around Main Avenue.

As the Jensens recall, “it wasn’t a fancy place, but it was a friendly place.”

Young Fred and his sister, Judy, would help their parents out around the shop, and couldn’t wait every year for the carnivals to come to Main Avenue. The streets would be closed from Third Street to Paaske’s to make way for the Ferris wheels, and Fred would help out with the Dodge-em Cars.

As Fred got old enough, he would work the evening hours at the station after school, and after graduating high school and serving three years in the United States Army, he took over the shop for his dad.

Many changes have taken place at the small business over the years. In 1974, Bill’s Mom, Margaret, passed away, followed by his dad in 1975. In 1990, new government regulations and increasing local competition forced the Jensens to remove their gas tanks and discontinue that part of the business. In 2004, Chad took over from his parents, becoming the third generation of the Jensen family to run the oil company.

While the station still performs minor vehicle service and repair, Chad also is an authorized dealer for Schwinn, GT, Mongoose and Sun bicycles, and provides service and repair on any type of bike. The station is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays, and anyone who wants more information can call 242-1712.

Although times have changed, the Jensens still pride themselves on friendly neighborhood service, and the farmers still come in to the shop to learn what’s going on in town. The family looks to the future as Chad’s sister, Jane Fenzel, brings her 2-year-old son, Jacob, in to help around the shop.

Fred and Carole are planning a celebration at their home at 6 p.m. Saturday to look back on 60 years in business, and hope all of their friends and customers will come and remember the good times with them. The couple still come into the shop everyday, and are looking forward to Jensen Oil Co.’s next 60 years.

“I don’t have any plans on going away,” Fred said. “I think my dad would be pretty proud.”