The late C. Grant Miller, founder of Mor-Car-Motors on the Bully, was a notable Havenite. One evening, sitting on a bench outside his car lot (now Dollar Tree), Grant departed intuitive words of wisdom: “Steve, sales is the only job where you write your own paycheck.”

Later he grew Mor-Car into a Chrysler dealership.

We stopped at “Sals,” (now Hanger 9) when a bothersome banker antagonized Grant. The annoying loan officer, along with tables and chairs, were soon strewn about the floor! The late Paul Mahoney, music lover and owner of Sals, up-righted the furniture like nothing happened. The bruised banker took a lickety-split exit.

Grant appreciated music, too, and requested I perform at his camp. Having declined due to deep snow, he dispatched a Jeep. We strapped a keyboard to the roof rack and rode into the mountains. The man never said “it can’t be done.”

After booking a New Year’s show at the Stroudsburg Sheraton, our van wouldn’t start. In a Saturday night panic, I called Grant who said: “I have an old ambulance and if it runs, you can borrow it.” We loaded the old Cadillac and headed east on 80. But when adjusting the seat control, it activated red lights and a siren! The traffic pulled aside and we sped to start the show on time. Before the first note sounded, the local musician’s union paid a visit to collect dues or shut us down. Nothing is easy.

Grant would meet me at the Manheim Auto Auction to select a car and his mechanic, Tink, inspected it pre-bidding. One day Grant shared his dream: “I want to sell 600 cars a month.” In 1987 he formed CPAA.

He ignored the nay-sayers.

In addition to auction success, this gentleman owned a private classic car museum, motor home featured on TV and a kind heart. We miss evenings when he and Jeannie visited Stella’s in their blue two-seat Bentley convertible.

Some believe yesteryear’s business success was “easier,” but that’s a myth. There were no GenZ/Alpha bedroom millionaires, only hard-working business people. There were many “family businesses” that worked and dreamed together — like the Castanea Crissmans. Their “Bald Eagle” meats were delivered in a fleet of trucks throughout the state.

Partners and brothers, Ellery and Allen Crissman, owned Crissman Meat Packing and if you travel Bridge Street in Castanea, past the old Irvin-Kuntz offices, you’ll find remnants of their dynasty with a vacant plant and both residences.

Ellery was married to Ruth, and Allen to Rose. Ellery’s grandson is a State College mortgage broker and Ruth was a Hoy. Ruth’s brother, Wayne C. Hoy, was a long-time KCSD superintendent. Her children were in the auto repair and meat market businesses. Rose birthed a daughter, Tina, and son, Harry. Dr. Harry Crissman studied cytology and contributed to the successful treatment of cancer.

My dad built additions to their homes and we enjoyed summer days at the compound pool. The Crissmans owned the farm that surrounds Piper Airport.

Ruth’s Hoy family, including Sam and Fred, also achieved success. Most Hoys were stout, strong people who created quite a legacy. I recall Holly’s burly dad, Fred, knocking on my door late one night, camouflaging his rugged persona, and said: “So, they tell me you can teach me how to play the organ!” The unlikely candidate had big hands and large boots that would hit three notes at a time. But he loved music and we practiced until he could play.

Some united families that grew trusted “partnerships” include Winner, Candor, Vogel, Hoy, Klewans, Gundlack, Rinella, Romanesky, Gallagher, Dwyer, Mayes, Berkebile, Smith, Johnson, Caprio, McCormick, Renninger, Eisemann, Wise, Yost, Frederick, Thorton, Sanders, Edwards, Stuempfle, Powers, Davis, Jacobs, Kephart, Arter, Shadle, Anestos, Wagner, Brickley, Pete, Asper, Maguire, Rich, Bowman and OIP, along with industrialists like Schultz, Charles, Thompson, Doebler, Griffin, Karnish, Raymond, Piper and Armstrong. These folks formed the foundation upon which we rest. Along with tireless efforts came employment, opportunity and a stronger, safer, appealing community.

Youth replaced the aged; in some cases more efficiently and in others, disastrously. Regardless, Lock Haven was built on the backs of dedicated families who gave-back to the community.

While we rely on local government to disburse tax dollars, visionary moguls and citizens must also support the area’s many needs. You can do that by contacting the YMCA, Historical Society, Little League, Millbrook, UPMC, SPCA, Ross Library, Highland Cemetery, Jaycees, the Shoe Bank or Service Clubs.

Conversely, local governments must focus on supporting citizens and entrepreneurs rather than cultivating an environment that causes them to look elsewhere for a more hospitable atmosphere.

As you learn about the history and your ancestors, you’ll realize Clinton County is fascinating. Begin your quest today and call The Piper Museum for a tour. Borrow a copy of “Old Town: A History of Early Lock Haven.” Your research may be captivating!

Stephen Poorman is a longtime area resident and business consultant.