The Swann & Prince Esso Station - Sanford, North Carolina.

Prentice Prince was the first Black mechanic at Bowen Ford, which became Sanford Ford.
This gas station, which was located at the corner of Endor and Wall streets (before Endor Street was renamed to Horner Blvd), was the first Black-owned service station in Sanford.

Service stations were a huge part of Sanford's business community during the time period. There were three in a row on Carthage Street at one point.  The Swann & Prince Esso's location made it easily accessible to those visiting Wall Street and Pearl Street, which were the social and economic centers of Sanford's Black community.

Lula Swann, William's wife, sold her pies at the station. People stopped for the pies as much as they did for the gas. The station has led many lives since Swann and Prince opened it in 1954. Today it is Union Tire Service.

Source: Photos courtesy Lee County Libraries NC and Mrs. Lula Knotts