Bart’s Service Center marks 70 years in Monessen

BY JEFF OLIVER

For the Mon Valley Independent

Seventy years ago, Barto “Poppi” Ferrara parlayed a desirable vehicle into a piece of Monessen business history.

Back in 1950, Ferrara was working in the steel mill like most other Monessen folks. He happened to drive a pretty Buick at the time.

An acquaintance of his really liked that Buick. He liked it so much that he offered Ferrara a trade: his gas station for the Buick.

Ferrara agreed and traded his car for the business — a Texaco gas station that was located at the corner of Third Street and Schoonmaker Avenue.

So Barto Ferrara was no longer a steelworker, but owner of a service station and auto repair shop.

The rest is history.

Today marks the 70th anniversary of Bart’s Service Center. Bart’s is one of the oldest businesses in Monessen, along with Frank’s Service Garage, Naccarato Auto Parts, Joseph’s Nursery and Union Cleaners.

Bart’s Service Center’s current location on Grand Boulevard was constructed in 1980. What started as a two-bay garage with adjoining gas pumps is now a sprawling four-bay facility that includes a vast area for vehicle storage, a full-service U-Haul business and a convenience store run by an independent company.

The gasoline part of the business is run by the convenience store.

Although Barto died Oct. 24, 2018, the business has been carried on by his son, Bart Jr., who worked with his father in 1976 while still in high school.

“Poppi loved what he did and couldn’t wait to come to work every day,” said his son. “That’s been passed on to me. I look forward to coming (to the service station) every morning. I’ve been lucky enough to have a job I love and I haven’t had to work one day yet.

“I’ve never looked at this as work.”

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