Mechanic since early automobile days retired in 1971
A man responsible for testing and calibrating speedometers on state police cars at the Butler barracks was set to retire after 38 years performing those duties on Sept. 29, 1971.
John O. Heyser was in charge of the automotive electrical department at Hoffman Auto Parts, specializing in carburetor and magneto repairs throughout his time working in automobiles. He started in the automotive mechanical field in 1915, and started full-time work in 1917 in his early teens.
“I was about 12 years old when the automobile was first coming into general use,” Heyser said. “That is when my interest in mechanical things started. I loafed around in garages and had a summer job working in one.”
In his spare time, Heyser played with the Butler Symphony Orchestra, taking on cello and bass roles over his 20 years with the group. From 1922 to 1929, Heyser also played music for silent films broadcast in a theater in Uniontown.
