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Herbert
Cantor |
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Valley Stream Auto Parts
After the war, Herb decided to work for his brother-in-law at Ed's Auto Supply in
Lynbrook, Long Island. He joined forces with fellow counterman George Schutz, and in 1955
they bought an established business, Valley Stream Auto Parts. Located on Rockaway
Avenue in the heart of Valley Stream, the business was a supplier of wholesale auto parts
to scores of gas stations and service stations on the south shore of Queens and Nassau
County on Long Island. The store consisted of a small customer floor that fronted on the
street. Behind the front was a large warehouse that consisted of a complete machine shop
where they resurfaced brake shoes, milled engine blocks, and smoothed scored cylinders;
rows of shelves stocked with an astounding array of water pumps, brakes, and belts; and
the famed Tailpipe City and Muffler Metropolis in the back.
The local auto parts supplier is almost a thing of the past today. Most parts distribution is now carried out by automobile manufacturers themselves, who ship directly to their car dealerships.
Herb and George sold the business to two of their longtime employees, George Lindner and Bill Yellin, in 1983. The store is now a restaurant.
Herb on the right. That's not his car.
The main selling floor of Valley Stream Auto Parts.
Herb is second from the left. George Schutz is third from left.
Neither had much hair. Both were nicknamed Curly by their customers.
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Growing Up
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His Illness
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