The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Bonnie Johnson/The Quill
Jeff Peterson is a hometown man. He was born, raised, schooled, married, reared children and worked in Stronghurst all of his life. Jeff's Dad, Gear (Skeet) Peterson was the body man for Davison Motors. As a young lad, Jeff would go there, push a broom to help clean and watch Walt Billups and other men work on cars. When he was in high school, he worked co-op for Russ Davison and continued to build on his skills as a top mechanic. Russ hired him out of high school, sent him to Ford Motor school in Davenport, IA to keep him updated on the changes in the mechanics of the new cars. After Russ passed away in 1989, Jeff continued to work there for Tim Johnson, Niehaus Motors and when Tim closed in May 2003, Jeff decided to open his own garage.
In August 2003, Jeff opened the doors to Peterson's Garage in the old Davison's body shop north of the Bank of Stronghurst and has made a success of his business. "I am so surprised at the amount of business I have. I didn't realize I would be so busy". Jeff's fine reputation of being a good mechanic has proceeded him.
In his shop he not only works on cars and trucks, but also antique tractors. He has one of his own in there and one from a neighboring farmer to restore. His shop is as neat as a pin and so clean. When asked if it looked this way most of the time, he said, "Well people don't want a dirty shop when you're working on their car. So I try to keep it as clean and neat as possible."
Jeff is married to Debbie and they have three children, Lesley, J.W. and Allison. J.W. helps in the garage when he's not in school at Southeastern Community College.
Jeff states, "I appreciate what Stronghurst and the surrounding communities have done for me and my business. I enjoy living in Stronghurst and I don't want to leave. I am concerned about businesses leaving the small areas because if you don't have the businesses, then the young people won't stay and I don't want my kids leaving. This is a good place to raise kids."