A Glimpse in the Past | By Jocklyn Mundy
Manual (Parry) Parramore, an Alabama transplant, arrived in Windermere in 1927 and soon met local Eunice Armstrong. Their romance led to marriage in 1933. In that same year, Parry and Eunice opened up their first service station on land they leased on Main Street, renting a home to live in right behind it. The newlyweds' hard work paid off, and in 1939 they purchased the entire stretch of properties across the street between Sixth and Seventh avenues on the eastern side of Main Street. On the corner lot, they built a grocery store service station with their living quarters above.
Both Parry and Eunice were well-suited for the business. Parry was busy in the garage, at the station and in the community. Eunice stayed busy in the store and even pumping gas. Windermere residents remember that Mrs. Parramore handled the accounts and was known for her quick addition of the tabs owed.
It wasn’t long after their gas station opening that the rumors of a second World War materialized. Parry was sent to serve Seabee Duty in the Pacific. Eunice held down the family business and volunteered wherever she could.
Reminiscent of the times, the station served as a central hub of activity for the local community. During this time, it was a gathering spot where residents would meet, exchange news of the war, and share stories. When Parry returned from the war, the Parramores' community service continued. Among other things, Parry served twice on the town council and Eunice continued volunteering with the Rotary Club.
In 1970, the Parramores sold the gas station to their corporate supplier, Standard Oil Company (Chevron). At the time, Windermere resident, Vernon Riker, was in charge of 26 stations and the wholesale department for Orlando Chevron. He recalls the station was immediately rebuilt by the corporation. “It was red, white, modern and shiny. The new design fit California but not Windermere.” With the input from Windermere residents, Chevron redid the design, wrapping the building in cedar, and added landscaping. The “new-new” look of the gas station was embraced by the community, including the magnolia tree that was planted as part of the improved landscaping and is still on the site today. Riker was the second dealer to operate the station after the Parramores. Riker operated the gas station for thirteen years until the property was sold to Don Dizney in 1990. In keeping with the times, the gas station was torn down and the office of United Medical Corporation was built on the site. The location was recently remodeled and is now the corporate office of Magnifica.
The corner gas station symbolized the small-town, close-knit community spirit of Windermere. Today, the memory of the Parramores' Standard Oil gas station continues to evoke nostalgia among long-time residents, a reminder of a simpler time centered around such local landmarks.
