Gulfport Garage Nearly Century Old

We asked Gulfport Patch readers, if they might be able to provide the back story on this antique garage recently tweeted across social media by photographer  Michael Coyne.

Sure enough, Gulfport Patch readers did not disappoint.

Gulfport Patch has learned that the garage indeed is part of the city's history. The building is nearly a century old and in the 1950s was a Pure Gas Station.

Reader Muriel Carter stepped forward (virtually) to provide the local history and to explain her family's connection to the "Gulfport Garage." (Editor's note: She also sent along a photo of her dad after this story was posted. See other photo posted with this article.)

Thanks, Muriel!

Muriel said that the garage is at 2731 Beach Blvd., and was owned by her dad in the 1950s.

Said Muriel:

"I couldn't believe the phone number is still the same, after 60+ years! It was DI5-1798 originally. (Dickens 5-1798).

It was built around 1920. It was a gas station, car repair and small grocery store. The original owners had small living quarters inside. There was a bathroom, living room, bedroom and kitchen.

"My Dad bought it in 1952 or 1953. He was an auto mechanic and relocated from NYC in 1950.

"He for the most part worked it alone. It was a Pure gas station, with 2 pumps. He used the inside living quarters for storage.

From what I can tell from the 2 pictures that I found online, the inside has remained pretty much the same. They have added arches where the gas pumps once were.

"There were 6 "bays" at one time, but I believe there are now 4. One was made into a brake pit, and another was made into another bedroom and bath. I do recognize a lot of the antique signs still hanging inside!

"I grew up in Gulfport, but my husband and I moved to NC in 1976. Dad died in 1994, and I sold it in 1996."

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