History of Sheets GMC
The following excerpts are from the book History of Pocahontas County, WV 1981 (Taylor Publishing Company, Dallas, Texas).
(Written in 1981) -- In 1922 Clarence A. Sheets, realizing a need for automotive facilities, opened a repair shop at the present location of the Green Bank post office. In June of 1923 he purchased the site of the present garage from Mrs. Nannie Hevener, built a small building, and began selling Standard Oil Company products, now known as Exxon.
In 1924 Clarence acquired a sub-agency for Chevrolet under S. J. Rexrode and Brill of Marlinton. Previously he worked for the Ford Garage in Elkins delivering the first cars into Pickens. In 1927 he signed a contract with General Motors to service and sell Oaklands and Pontiacs.
The business weathered the depression era in which he recalls some very "lean" years. In 1934 Oldsmobile was added and as the dealership expanded so did the facilities and the famous "pot bellied" stove was replaced by central heat.
In addition to his automobile dealership, Clarence was bulk plant agent for Standard Oil from 1934-38. The plant was located in Durbin along the railroad tracks. During those years gasoline was brought by rail and delivered to CCC camps and other businesses in the northern end of Pocahontas County. Most of the roads were not hard surfaced during this period with only a single set of "ruts" and limited areas to pass. The late Paul Morris delivered the products until Standard Oil replaced the small bulk plant concept.
Since WWII made the 4 wheel drive Jeep famous, Clarence acquired the Willys Overland dealership in 1949. This proved to be a very popular line of light duty vehicles and Willys began producing a car in addition to the Jeepster line.
In 1958 International Harvester Company was producing 4 wheel drive vehicles showing technological advancement and this line of vehicles replaced the Willys. Light duty trucks and "Scouts" were serviced and sold until 1972. Since that time the attention of the business has been directed toward quality repair and servicing of any make of auto and selling Oldsmobiles.
Clarence, now 83, recalls that his first Model T cost $420 and the first gasoline purchased from Standard Oil was 24¢ per gallon.
In 1973 Clarence began making plans for retirement as he moved his house to its present location. To insure a continuing business, Sheets Garage was sold to Alfred C. Ervine, an employee since 1954, and Charles A. Sheets, son of Clarence A. Sheets, and incorporated in March 1974. Alfred C. Ervine, President of Sheets Garage Inc., signed a contract with Oldsmobile Division of General Motors Corporation in April 1974 to be an authorized Oldsmobile Dealer, thus insuring continuation of the sale and service of new automobiles by Sheets Garage, Inc. A used car lot, customer parking and two additional service bays were added in 1975.
With the ending of GM's Oldsmobile line in 2004, today Sheets Garage carries on the tradition at their new location as Sheets GMC, offering new GMC vehicles, GM program vehicles, and parts and service for all GM vehicles.
