PHOTO OF THE DAY: A SQUARE DEAL

This photo was posted on Heritage Hall Museum & Archives’ Facebook page Monday as part of its weekly look back, along with the following description:

The Square Deal Garage, which stood just off Main Street on the south side of Fourth Street between the alley and Juniper Street, was a fixture for eight decades.

Julius (J.J.) Albrecht started Square Deal Garage after moving to Freeman from east of town in 1921. He had purchased the garage owned by brothers Charlie and Jake Schrag and began working on Model Ts and gas engines.

A story in the Freeman Courier in July of 1973 featured a visit with Albrecht – who had turned 86 six months earlier. In it, he explained that “Square Deal” was more than just a name; it was also a policy. Albrecht acknowledged that he may not have charged as much as he could have.

“I felt I owed everybody something,” Albrecht told the Courier. “I couldn’t help it, it’s just my nature.’”

Although he had little equipment, with his knowledge of mechanics and a desire to do his best, his repair business quicky took off. His three sons, Fred, Harvey and Felix, later joined their father as mechanics in the shop and became instrumental in the continuation of the business, particularly starting in the 1960s when arthritis began to slow Julius down. Robert Albright, Julius’ grandson, also became active in the business.

Square Deal continued to be a repair shop – from cars to lawnmowers – until it gradually faded away after nine decades of service to the community. In 2014, after more than a decade of inactivity, the building was demolished; the lot remains open.

Collecting and sharing bits of history like this – taken from resources in our archives – is at the heart of our mission. If you’re a member of our non-profit organization, we thank you for your support.