History
In 1937, M. J. Yoder bought this property and built a machine shop for his farming operation. Howard Embry operated the shop for one year.
In 1938, Dale Cutlip and Victor Garrison rented the building and operated the machine shop. Victor bought out Dale’s interests in 1939 and continued business operations.
In 1947, the Murrieta Volunteer Fire Department was organized. Victor donated a small portion of his land behind his shop to construct a fire house. He was named Assistant Fire Chief. He served for eleven years and then retired from service. The department operated out of the machine shop until the fire house was completed in 1948.
Victor died in 1974, but Arlean and Donna continued to run the machine shop for many years.
The Murrieta Chamber of Commerce office was located inside the Murrieta Machine Shop from 1985 to 1990. Donna Lent explained, “The Chamber of Commerce office during the growth spurt of the community was the go to source of information for
newcomers. Arlean took all the calls and chatted with visitors new to Murrieta.” In 1990, the Chamber office moved to a storefront office at a new shopping center at the corner of Washington Avenue and Ivy Street.
The Laurel Cemetery’s office was also located at the Murrieta Machine Shop for several years. In 1991, when the City of Murrieta was established, a few citizens were concerned with protecting the historic structures. Arlean Garrison and Ayleen Gibbo formed the Citizens for Historic Murrieta and became the watchdogs on protecting Murrieta’s history. The group used the machine shop office for administrative purposes.
Donna shared more details about the Machine Shop. “Besides machining and welding, the shop supplied essential refillable propane tanks for residents and water well pumping supplies and service. Victor also operated a well drilling service.”
“The Machine Shop was an Allis Chalmers tractor dealership and a mini hardware store. In the 1970s, we added a Big A Auto Parts store and also sold Briggs and Stratton small engine parts.”
“The back half of the shop was rented out for a separate car shop business that continues to this day. Also, there was a yard sale out front every Friday. Arlean’s 80th birthday party was held at the shop.”
The Murrieta Machine Shop is the longest operating business in Murrieta, serving the community for over eighty years. It was not only a business, but it was also a hub of community service and action. Inside the machine shop office, Arlean recorded Murrieta’s history, and preformed administrative work for the fire department, the Ground Observers Corps, the Murrieta Chamber of Commerce, the Laurel Cemetery, and for the Citizens of Historic Murrieta’s efforts to preserve and share Murrieta’s history.
Victor and Arlean Garrison will always be remembered for their dedication and service to the Murrieta community.
