JIFFY CAR WASH

Jiffy Car Wash, located at 3740 Kipling (just off Excelsior Blvd.) opened on December 29, 1952 and promised a high-tech wash in 3 minutes for $1.50. It was only the second car wash of its kind in the Twin City area. Built for $65,000, it was made of geolite block from the Cambridge Brick Co. in St. Louis Park. At its opening, Minikahda Oaks resident Lewis E. Bender was listed as part owner. Charles Wilson was the Vice President and foreman.

In 1955, a 40x50 ft. addition was constructed, giving it a 150-ft. conveyor chain – said to be the longest in the northwest. In 1961, members of the Bender family made up the board of directors except for James H. Campbell, Vice President and General Manager.

Jiffy’s second owner, Willford M. Johnson, another local resident, bought it in 1972 and installed new equipment. When Johnson retired to North Carolina in 1994, it was owned by Bill Berg, who took out the Standard (Gordy’s) gas pumps.

In 1997 it was owned by Jeff Schweisthal.

David and Joanne Knutson purchased Jiffy Car Wash from Jeff Schweisthal on April 13, 2001.

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This information comes from a variety of sources: newspapers, books, yearbooks, phone directories, interviews, etc. Given the varied sources, we cannot guarantee that all of this information is correct, and welcome any additions and corrections. Please contact us with your contributions and comments.