Johnnie with his first wife, Mae Dodd Rodgers. She is the mother of their children, Johnnie, Galen and Marilyn. They were married 6/9/1937 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Prairie Valley, TX.

Johnny with his sister Else on the day of their confirmation at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Prairie Valley, TX.

This service station was built and owned by John L. (Johann Ludwig) Wessels and was located on Hwy 77, west of La Grange, between West Point and Plum. In this era, these establishments were known as "filling" stations. Johnny Wessels operated the business for his uncle. It is obvious he sold Humble oil products and gas, as well as beer, soft drinks and perhaps a few staples. This photo was taken in August of 1938. The photo indicated the men assembled were "celebrating" something with their raised bottles of beer. The operator, Johnny Wessels is the man on the far right. Standing beside him is his father, Adolph Wessels. The fourth man from the left is Charles (Charlie) Wessels. The younger man in the second row is either Alvin or Walter Wessels, sons of Charles. The short man in the front is either Kurt or Bruno Viewig. All of them are from the immediate area, probably within walking distance as there are no vehicles or wagons in the background.

Everyone in the area always referred to the establishment as "the station". Johnny operated the station and did mechanic work during the 1930s. In 1940, John Wessels' son-in-law, Vastine Havemann and his wife Laura Wessels took over the operation. The station building was constructed in such a fashion that the business was in the front portion of the building, while there were living quarters in the rear, as well as upstairs. Vastine and Laura lived in the station until 1952 when the growth of their family necessitated their building a new home next to the station. They remained there operating the business until the death of Vastine in 1981. Laura then moved to La Grange and rented the station out. An unfortunate fire destroyed the station in 1985.

This is the view of the Havemann gas station from the driveway of Johnny's home (when he lived with his parents). He later moved to Columbus when Laura and Vastine took over the business. For later pictures of the gas station see the memorial for Vastine Havemann - 73581909. (The dance hall was located just past the trees on the end before being relocated to the Pioneer Village in Austin.)