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Our Founder
Paul G. Davis - Born January 21, 1908 - Died August, 1981
Paul G. Davis was born in Portal, North Dakota. Portal is located on the North Dakota/Canadian border. Paul was the youngest son of nine children; he had two older sisters and six older brothers. Paul’s parents Kathryn and Arthur O. Davis lived in Portal until 1910 when the family moved to an area just south of Poplar, Montana. Paul’s father homesteaded land and founded a town by opening a General Store and a School. The town was named Arthur, Montana. Paul moved to Indiana in his mid 20’s, to be near one of his sisters who had moved to Laporte, Indiana. Paul married Mildred Small of Glen Park, Indiana January 30, 1934.
During World War II Paul served as a Lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol. In 1942, Paul and Mildred became parents of a son they named for Paul’s father, Arthur O. Davis. In 1942, Paul meets his future business partner, Jack Erickson, while they are both working for Hellman Tire Service. Hellman Tire was also the White Truck distributor in the area at the time. April 16, 1946 Paul and Jack formed a corporation and opened a Pure Oil gas station on the corner of 5th and Chase in Gary, Indiana. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Hellman made a decision to relinquish the White Truck distributorship. At that time, Paul and Jack acquired the White Truck distributorship in the area.The Pure Oil gas station was the base building and over the next 14 years, two additions were built on to the gas station. Paul and Jack also had a Jeep Truck franchise at this same location. Gary White Sales and Service remained in this location until 1960.
In January 1960 Gary White Sales and Service, Inc. moves to its current location at 7360 W. Chicago Avenue in Gary, Indiana. The building was built after a handshake in the middle of Chicago Avenue between the current landlord and Paul G. Davis. It encompassed approximately 5 acres of ground, the shop, and offices. In October of 1975, Paul sold his share of the dealership to his son and retired. Paul continued to be active in the business and worked every day until his death in 1981.
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