HISTORY~

Lloyd retired to St. Helena with his wife, Marion McGill Taylor. They left the cold plains of Nebraska for Marion’s home state of California.

Lloyd had been a traveling Pharmacist and was tired of the ‘On-the-road’ food. “Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and peas“. He envisioned a fabulous, juicy ‘BURGER, crispy FRIES & a cold frothy ‘refreshing’ ROOT BEER’, for locals & travelers, so he started, Taylor’s Refresher in 1949. Known for its hand-pressed, fresh ground-beef & homemade fries & the Root Beer floats, (plus his favorite, the “Brown Cow” which was a RB float with Chocolate syrup).

He eventually retired the restaurant to his daughter & son-in-law, Ginger & Charley Toogood, in 1970. To which, Lloyd still couldn’t bring himself to ‘retire’, as he had to keep busy, & he saw the need of a Car Wash for the St. Helena community.

In 1972-1973 the car was built and in operation.

1985-ish Lloyd did eventually fully retire (90 years old) and at that point he leased the car wash. It has been leased the past 30 years.

In 2024, Lloyd’s grandchildren, (the 4th generation) decided to take back the car wash and keep it “in the family”. With regaining the car wash, the grandkids have done a major investment in updating the wash to 21st century standards & current machinery, technology, and more. The new equipment comes with a proven OPTIMAL washing system for the best results in car washing. Plus, updated technology that allows the acceptance of Credit Cards/Debit Card/phone taps/ yet still accepts USA currency in Quarters & cash bills.

TSHCW has 3 operating wash bays, & 4 high functioning vacuums, vending items & a bill changing machine.

The 4th generation is actively participating in the operation of the car wash with the 14 members of the 5th generation coming up and 7 in the 6th generation, …..so far.

The 4th generation thanks you for visiting Taylor’s St. Helena Car Wash.

Robert S. Nicholson, Salinda M. Milicevich, Thomas S. Nicholson, Susan T. Leonard, Sara J. Toogood, and John A. Toogood.