About Hurtubise

Joseph Jules Hurtubise was a machinist in Niagara County at the turn of the century. While working for the Pump Company in North Tonawanda, he began to do auto repairs on the side for extra income. The books show that these repairs began in 1903. In the fall of 1913, he was able to purchase property on Tremont Street in North Tonawanda, which allowed him to expand his side business and leave his full-time job. He was so successful, that in on December 29, 1923, he purchased the corner lot of Oliver and Tremont Streets and built a service station there. His son Clarence quit high school to help his father construct the building and help operation the business. His other two sons later joined in the business which expanded into tires and body repair work.

Following Joseph?s death on January 3, 1941, the Hurtubise Service Center was operated by his three sons. Later, Clarence bought out his brothers. One brother Ernest, opened a service station on Division Street and Erie Avenue. The other brother, Lawrence moved his family to Florida and opened a body repair service there. He and his family later moved back to North Tonawanda, where he continued to do body repair work, and rejoined his brother Clarence.

Clarence and his wife Marguerite Hurtubise expanded the business during the 1950?s and 1960?s at one point operating nine auto service, gas stations, and tire service locations throughout the Western New York area.

Hurtubise endured its toughest time as it began manufacturing its own brand of tires in the late 1960?s ? The Streaker brand. The company was blindsided in 1973 by the oil embargo of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and was forced to sell all the tire-making equipment. It was impossible to purchase rubber to continue to make new tires. Two short years later, in 1975, a fire destroyed most of the main building. The employees changed tires for customers in the parking lot until the building was replaced.

During the 1980?s, the third generation of owners divided the business. One of the brothers, Douglas operated Hurtubise Auto Sales, while Joseph operated Hurtubise Tire, Inc. When Douglas retired, Hurtubise Auto Sales closed their doors, but Joseph?s son Rick and his daughter Vicky (Uglinica) along with her husband Tom continued as the fourth generation owners of Hurtubise Tire, Inc.

Currently, Hurtubise Tire, Inc. is operation with four service locations in North Tonawanda (still at the original location of 63 Oliver Street), Lancaster NY, Syracuse NY, and Olean NY along with a state-of-the art manufacturing facility located in North Tonawanda. The retreading facility is the only retreading facility in the Western New York area. Rick (Eric) along with his two nephews, Christopher and Michael Uglinica own and operate the business, and Rick?s daughter Tory (Victoria) is being trained in the ownership responsibilities. Christopher, Michael, and Tory will continue to own and operate into the future.