Ottawa Oil sees many changes during past 50 years

OTTAWA - When Ottawa Oil opened for business the average price of gas in the country was around $.31. For the next several years it often only increased or decreased by $.01 in a year's time. Gas pumps had one hose and the price per gallon had to be changed manually at the pump. Most gas stations had repair service and the term "convenience store" was not in use. When you pulled up to a gas station an attendant would come out and pump your gas while also cleaning your windshield and asking if you wanted your oil checked.

Ottawa Oil is celebrating their 50^th anniversary this year. It was in 1959 when Bob Kruse was working part time and farming. He heard the owner of the Kleman Oil in Ottawa was offering the station for sale. The new owner was a "city man" according to Kruse and was having problems with acclimating to the rural community.

Kruse's father, Virgil Kruse, approached Sylvester Ellerbrock, Camillus Stechschulte, and Harry Leopold about going together to purchase the gas station. The five men were the original owners of the business

"When we started in business there were two stations,' Kruse explained. The first station is the current Shell Station on SR 65. The second station is now used for fire truck storage. "We also had two bulk routes where we delivered fuel to homes and farms." Kruse explained.  They eventually expanded to four dealer operations where they provided gas in Ottoville, Pandora, Kalida and Defiance.

The office for Ottawa Oil was originally located in a small office at the SR 65 station. As the business expanded the office was moved to the corner of Taft and Fourth Street in 1976. Then in 1991 they moved to their current location on US 224, west of Ottawa.

One of the most difficult periods was in 1972-73 when there was a gas shortage," Kruse said.  "It was difficult getting the product at that time."

Kruse remembered "You might go a few years when the gas price wouldn't change and the pump mechanism to change the price would be hard to move."

He also recalled many gas stations offering repair services for cars. "Then cars became high tech and more expensive equipment was needed to diagnose problems so you saw the end of many service stations.

Kruse said gas stations then evolved into having convenience stores. The convenience store division of Ottawa Oil began in 1982 when they opened the Napoleon store with total inventory of 20 cartons of cigarettes and 3 boxes of candy.

"Now we offer a lot of grocery items," Kruse said.

Robert Kruse ran the business for 32 years until his retirement in 1991.

In 1993 Ottawa Oil became incorporated. The Board of Directors now consists of Robert Kruse, Kevin Ellerbrock, Dale Kruse, and Rick Stechschulte. Janel Kruse is the general manager.

Ottawa Oil has now expanded to several counties with 260 employees.

There are several components to the business including delivery of fuel to homes and farms, operation of convenience stores, operation of a full service gas station with service bays and cars wash, operation tire store/gas station, hauling fuel by transport trucks and selling fuel to consignment stations.

As part of their celebration this year Ottawa Oil decided to celebrate by giving back to the community. All 586 Putnam County high school graduates were given a $25 gift certificate good at any Shell station.