tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post4727810427487959087..comments2024-03-21T01:17:34.038-05:00Comments on Pleasant Family Shopping: The Golden Age of Gas StationsDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788722183424550052noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post-35109622976970023152023-06-25T19:54:39.956-05:002023-06-25T19:54:39.956-05:00Thank you for your wonderful curating — I and tryi...Thank you for your wonderful curating — I and trying to locate info or images of a multi-story Conoco gas station in Aspen Colorado in summer of 1970 — we were traveling from Texas and had never seen gas stations more than a single story, this one looked like the toy gas stations you could buy from Sears catalogs during the Sixties — I seem to remember this station had a plaque on the wall saying something like "Conoco Station of the Year" or such — any info/images you can offer — thanksAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post-2357399846299389552017-05-20T18:27:42.508-05:002017-05-20T18:27:42.508-05:00My family and I had come back to Oklahoma in April...My family and I had come back to Oklahoma in April of 1978 to visit family, when we had stopped at a gas /service station off I-40 in the western part Oklahoma. <br />My dad and I wonder if anyone could help us remember the name if the stations, because I can remember the big red and yellow signs along I-40. It started with a "W" and if I remember right, it was "Something and Sons".<br />I had family that worked for the oil companies, both here in Oklahoma, and in California. Such history is out there for these lost icons.Judy Ritterhttp://www.angelfire.com/ok5/ritterfamilyok/index.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post-22489465054235734392016-03-13T17:14:04.737-05:002016-03-13T17:14:04.737-05:00I am 59 years old and was a child of the 60's ...I am 59 years old and was a child of the 60's being raised in Columbus, Ohio and many of these iconic gas stations were alive and well when I was a kid. I loved the Sinclair Dinosaur, the Texaco "Star" and the friendly Sohio station seemingly on every other corner! I too could name every make, model, and year of every car back then as the Big "4" changed their styling each year. I really enjoyed reading your blog...Great Job!Neal Reynoldshttp://www.nealsnova.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post-9938685427163495882015-11-30T16:59:05.662-06:002015-11-30T16:59:05.662-06:00You did not mention why the Middle East organized ...You did not mention why the Middle East organized and raised the price per barrel, it was because of the evolved 4 cylinders that were about to flood America. Everyone thinks the 4's were brought in for the price increase which it was the other way around. Just like most recent years, the Hybrd Electrics.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09891497436172715034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post-87310280847980071592014-10-22T22:49:03.719-05:002014-10-22T22:49:03.719-05:00I remember spending time at the DX circle station ...I remember spending time at the DX circle station (51st and Yale, Tulsa) during construction, and going there while parents bought fuel. My Dad was head of design and construction of their stations through the midwest during that era. He designed that station and oversaw construction.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post-62055864403486184012014-06-16T19:55:33.392-05:002014-06-16T19:55:33.392-05:00Help I'm in my early 50`s and I'm going cr...Help I'm in my early 50`s and I'm going crazy I have been online for hours looking for this ,event that happened in Chicago when I was a kid you would go to the gas station and if my father filled up his tank ,they would give you live goldfish in plastic bag w/water and tied at the top ...... someone from Chicago please help me with this memory no one seem to remember but me and I don't know why but ....it's part of the memory of my father and I!?!!?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post-52603663589777860692014-05-05T21:34:30.884-05:002014-05-05T21:34:30.884-05:00a wee little correction: It was in December 1971, ...a wee little correction: It was in December 1971, not 1972 that Enco stations were to be rebadged with the Exxon name. 1971-72 was my first year of high school & the car bug was starting to bite very bad,,LOL. The last station I remember the bear the Enco name in Phoenix, AZ was in May, 1972Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14912103998452711161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post-91943963317005471732013-12-02T16:39:14.746-06:002013-12-02T16:39:14.746-06:00does anyone have any information on the old imperi...does anyone have any information on the old imperial gas stations, my father owned an imperial gas station in the mid 60s to the mid 70s and it was a big part of my life, I would love to read the history of imperial and see some photos,,,,,thanks!<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14526527705498769253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post-41427632959501813362012-07-01T11:23:38.947-05:002012-07-01T11:23:38.947-05:00Mind? MIND?!?!? I love it. Hope youre not offended...Mind? MIND?!?!? I love it. Hope youre not offended, but this is probably my favourite post of the site [so far] Being a] a car guy , b] a gas station nut. c] my Dad being a research engineer for Pan American nee Standard of Indiana nee Amoco and now regrettably BP who knew Mr Swearingen personally and d] being from Tulsa which used to host 11 major oil comapany installations, I love this stuff. Plus, we had familt friends that owned a Sinclair station and another who had a Skelly up until I was a teenager.<br />Thanks especially for the photo of the round DX station - there was one at the corner of 51st and Yale here, that no one seems to remember. Dont forget too, that several DX stations had a pump for Sunoco 260 racing Gasoline back in the day...Theres a can of DX Super Sport oil sitting on a shelf a few feet from me as I type...<br />I could go on for hours about this stuff, but time, space, nor the webmaster's [or readers] patience will allow. Just thank you for this interesting and informative entry.johnhttp://www.myfirstcar.menoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post-81616578082180769962012-02-10T17:13:38.359-06:002012-02-10T17:13:38.359-06:002/10/12
RobGems.ca wrote:
Nice article on gas stat...2/10/12<br />RobGems.ca wrote:<br />Nice article on gas stations. In Michigan, there were once Sinclair stations (later bought out by Arco in the 70's, then by Sunoco in the 80's),Gulf stations (bought out by Mobil and Marathon stations),and Pure Stations (gone by the 70's). There were also many oddball gas stations that no longer exsist in Michigan, but were once thriving with names like Tulsa, Zephyr,Martin, Kayo,Total,and Gas N' Go (once a part of the giant Boron/Sohio conglomerate, but since then eliminated by B.P. Oil.) A more recent independent gas station conglomerate named Spirit briefly flowed in the early 2000's then went belly-up in 2009.Any chances of these small, independent firms to be mentioned in another gas station article in the future?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post-13762804790769189912011-11-19T16:34:45.483-06:002011-11-19T16:34:45.483-06:00ConocoPhillips is in the process of splitting into...ConocoPhillips is in the process of splitting into two companies. They just recently announced that the refining and marketing(gas stations) part of the company will use the old Phillips 66 name. The current ConocoPhilips gas stations here in California use the old (Union)76 logo. I would assume these stations will all change to use 'Phillips 66' after the split, which is due by mid 2012.<br /><br />BTW, great site, just discovered it the other day. Still working through all the posts. Brings back alot of memories.Exquisite Decaynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post-13725472706192316192011-09-22T22:33:24.443-05:002011-09-22T22:33:24.443-05:00Julie - I'd love to see the photo of the Skell...Julie - I'd love to see the photo of the Skelly as it appears today. About the supermarket/pharmacy combo store you mentioned, please do post a photo when you get a chance, and maybe someone can help us identify it. Thanks very much!Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07788722183424550052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post-18978145011978783722011-09-21T23:47:30.609-05:002011-09-21T23:47:30.609-05:00Dave, about that Skelly in Colorado Springs, I so ...Dave, about that Skelly in Colorado Springs, I so happened to drive right into the parking lot of the building that occupies this (and no doubt the now-demolished house beside the old station!) site. Unfortunately, the present building is forlornly vacant and awaits some new life. I do believe an old Skelly, now a tobacco store, still exists at the corner of my neighborhood, here. I should take a photo & post it on your fb page. I am trying to figure out what store a fantastic 1960 combo super market/pharmacy was just across the street from the old gas station, and was searching your blog. I should send you a photo of that too!Julienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post-24727663347110313672011-05-24T09:18:56.592-05:002011-05-24T09:18:56.592-05:00Thanks for the travel memories that came flooding ...Thanks for the travel memories that came flooding back. My "gasoline memories" go back to my dad complaining that gas had gone up to 28 cents a gallon (1960s sometime). When we took our first cross country trip I kept track of the gas prices and the car mileage in my travel diary. Gas was 67 cents a gallon when we left Rhode Island and 77 cents a gallon when we got to California. My dad was incredulous. I also remember the turnover from Atlantic to ARCO; ARCO is where I bought my gas when I first started driving, as they were the cheapest in the neighborhood. Many fond memories of the old logos, including the Flying Horse and the Flying "A"!Lindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00684124498981972463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post-13877535329946278202011-04-29T19:00:44.416-05:002011-04-29T19:00:44.416-05:00Anonymous (Niece)- Thanks! How are you?Anonymous (Niece)- Thanks! How are you?Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07788722183424550052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post-23653522857583917472011-04-26T19:43:17.902-05:002011-04-26T19:43:17.902-05:00Hi Uncle Dave! Nice site!!Hi Uncle Dave! Nice site!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post-12086376018094510452011-04-23T11:49:18.456-05:002011-04-23T11:49:18.456-05:00Loved, loved, loved this piece! Even though it too...Loved, loved, loved this piece! Even though it took me a couple of weeks to read the piece (And since then it has taken me at least three weeks to sit down and comment). I can't relate to much of the vintage gas station looks except for seeing it in current form because I sure as heck didn't pay much attention to gas stations or its archiecture back in the day. But I do recall some things. I remember Sohio quite well. When I was a child growing up in Cleveland there was a Sunoco my dad would go to frequently off the interstate. I just remember at 6 and 7 years old thinking that was one cool sign. A couple of years later we moved to Chicago and I only recall one Sunoco station in the city, right on (I think) Lincoln and Grace across the street from a Butera we would shop at. It's now condos while the Butera is a Trader Joes that my husband and I sometimes go to. <br /><br />I remember when I was a teenager or maybe a preteen, this might have been sometime in the early to mid 90s, my dad was telling someone that came to visit from the old country that when he and my mother first immigrated to Ohio back in 1974 that gas station attendments would come out to your car, pump your gas, check all of your issues and afterwards with a sad tinge in his voice he mentioned that now no one comes out. For some reason this always stuck with me and still has just like the Sunoco sign I could never forget.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post-80892636904322146992011-04-13T18:27:54.249-05:002011-04-13T18:27:54.249-05:00Here's a vintage piece of footage from Phillip...Here's a vintage piece of footage from Phillips 66 that's probably going to set a few sets of teeth on edge: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRjJpsLqOw0" rel="nofollow">Phillips 66 Girl Watcher Attendants</a><br /><br />Just remember: this was the '60s.Davidnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post-39866509858679690092011-04-09T21:31:27.044-05:002011-04-09T21:31:27.044-05:00One more:
The American Version:
Enco Commercial U...One more:<br /><br />The American Version:<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35YtoXKJg7Q" rel="nofollow">Enco Commercial USA</a><br /><br />The German Version:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLG-S8XeSmQ" rel="nofollow">Esso Commercial Germany</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post-89164341988459090162011-04-09T14:16:41.386-05:002011-04-09T14:16:41.386-05:00Dave - I'm a big fan of jingles, so anything w...Dave - I'm a big fan of jingles, so anything with a catchy commercial jingle catches my attention. The Sunoco and Pure Firebird commercials both had a very muscular sound to them; The Pure jingle was catchy enough that I couldn't get it out of my head for a long time ... <i>"Fire up, with Firebird Super ... </i>'It's the closest thing to racing gasoline' ... <i>at the BIG! BLUE! Pure Oil Sign!"</i> Besides, you gotta love the dapper look of people in the 1960's (both their clothes and their cars). <br /><br />I'm also as big of a geek as you are when it comes to this stuff as you are, so here are a few more links with classic gasoline commercials.<br /><br />Two of the following three use the same jingle.<br /><br />Enco Extra Gasoline 1964 <br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9OslvIUA8M" rel="nofollow">Enco Extra Gasoline 1964</a><br /><br />Esso Tigerino Game - 1966<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHPhY-3X3Vk" rel="nofollow">Esso Tigerino Game - 1966</a><br /><br />1960's Esso Commercial (United States)<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-qot-tlLrw" rel="nofollow">1960's Esso Commercial (United States)</a><br /><br />====================<br /><br />These commercials are from overseas and many also use the same jingle.<br /><br />Esso Ad - United Kingdom<br />(cool jingle)<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VhONf1xfeM" rel="nofollow">Esso Ad - United Kingdom</a><br /><br />Esso Ad from the Latin America<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iyb8mSWtgM" rel="nofollow">Esso Ad from the Latin America</a><br /><br />Esso Ad from the Japan<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gu0QJFfNQg" rel="nofollow">Esso Ad from the Japan</a><br /><br />Esso Commercial Germany<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLG-S8XeSmQ" rel="nofollow">Esso Commercial Germany</a><br /><br />Thore Skogman sings "Tigern i Tanken" for Esso in 1965 (I have a tiger in my tank.) <br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Sl9NKUQ2Ww" rel="nofollow">Thore Skogman</a><br /><br />====================<br /><br />Mobil safety commercials for Australia and the United States. The first one is awesome.<br /><br />Mobil Commercial "Driving"<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0zxNKO5xRI" rel="nofollow">Mobil Commercial 1</a><br /><br />Mobil Commercial "Demonstration" 1966 (US)<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLoy8NZAeUY" rel="nofollow">">Mobil Commercial 2</a><br /><br /><br />Mobil "Circle Of Safety" - Australia 1<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6JIF15p69U" rel="nofollow">Mobil Commercial 3</a><br /><br />Mobil "Circle Of Safety" - Australia 2<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVhaCLtS568" rel="nofollow">Mobil Commercial 4</a><br /><br />Mobil "Circle Of Safety" - Australia 3<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnn-9FWp5BQ" rel="nofollow">Mobil Commercial 5</a><br /><br />==================<br /><br />1958 Atlantic Gasoline Commmercial<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=120MMZ8MOAM" rel="nofollow">1958 Atlantic Gasoline Commmercial</a><br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br />DannyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post-80023665656451378712011-04-08T11:03:47.318-05:002011-04-08T11:03:47.318-05:00There are some Fina stores in central Texas (Waco)...There are some Fina stores in central Texas (Waco). I remember seeing one west of Waco (Gainesville?) in block letters for the sign: F I N A.<br /><br />I also remember there was one near my late grandfather's house that obviously used to be a Fina but was stripped of all signage. It seemed to be open intermittedly.Pseudo3Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17848368606946150471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post-77833617849457095782011-04-08T07:17:14.147-05:002011-04-08T07:17:14.147-05:00Kct – They need to give you a longer lunch hour! ;...Kct – They need to give you a longer lunch hour! ;)<br /><br />Seriously, I’m glad you found it informative. Thanks!<br /><br />Danny – Those commercials are fantastic, thanks for posting those links! They’re easily among the best I’ve seen. The Sunoco one must have been taken from the original film – it’s rare to see a color commercial from that era in such good shape, without fading or color distortion. The Pure commercial is a great example of the wonderful creativity of that era. Fun stuff!<br /><br />I hope things are going well with you!Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07788722183424550052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post-46740897435329262502011-04-06T13:17:41.487-05:002011-04-06T13:17:41.487-05:00I personally loved the post. I was as little long ...I personally loved the post. I was as little long (took me three work lunch periods to read it all), but it was VERY informative.<br /><br />I also agree with other posters in that gas stations are a port of American Retail History.<br /><br />Additionally, I agree with the authors of the Books that you quote that several of the gas stations are architectural works of art.kcthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06282847708534934219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post-11322852481795468732011-03-29T23:34:53.946-05:002011-03-29T23:34:53.946-05:00Kim – Thanks so much! The whole self-serve thing w...Kim – Thanks so much! The whole self-serve thing was strange at first, as odd as that may sound now. And my folks freaked out over gas prices as well! I can remember when it hit 63 cents a gallon in Rolling Meadows - like a foreshadowing of doom! ;)<br /><br />I love gas station maps also (actually all kinds), and really should have mentioned them in the post. I’m going to try to fix that.<br /><br />I haven’t been to Oregon, but when I took my first business trip to NJ years back I was (pleasantly) surprised about the “no self-serve” law. The price of gas there was actually cheaper than many other places I’d recently been to. Thanks again! <br /> <br />Tsalzen – Thanks very much. My bet is that Chrysler supplied the car as “promotional consideration” as they used to say. (I was a huge Adam-12 fan as a kid, and I can remember how bummed I was when it was cancelled.)<br /><br />The Holiday chain was a very important pioneer in the area of gas station/convenience store combinations. Wish I’d had time to track down a color photo of one, I would have certainly included it. I’m not familiar with Pacific 66, but perhaps someone can fill us in. <br /><br />Randy – Very much appreciated! I didn’t mention the maps, and will try to put a brief addendum on here about them. Thanks again.<br /><br />Wayne - It’s an honor to hear from you - thanks so much! I will make a note on the Esso pic.<br /><br />I would love to see an updated edition of “Gas Stations”! I can’t tell you how many enjoyable hours I’ve spent over the years with that book. I’ve added a link to Petroleum Collectibles Monthly on the site.<br /><br />And I will definitely take you up on your offer. I’ll contact you directly. Thanks again!<br /><br />Adrienne – Once again, thanks!<br /> <br />Those were fun times, for sure. I never minded the gas smell, but what I really loved was the smell of new tires. Still do. (T.M.I., I know!) I just recently learned of Jakle and Sculle’s other books – now those are my idea of scholarly subjects! I may need to borrow it from you. :)<br /><br />Pseudo3D - I remember the Diamond Shamrock stations from my Texas and Oklahoma travels. I think Chevron’s is one of the better logo redesigns.<br /><br />Nightdragon - Helium, I think! ;) Thanks – glad you found it interesting. Supermarkets are a bit behind when it comes to self-checkout (been self-serve for a long time, though!). I’m with you on the “fast, easy and fun” part!<br /><br />Jack – Great to hear from you, hope everything is well with you and yours! Glad you liked this.<br /><br />Rechercher – Thanks for your kind comment. I hadn’t thought about many of them for years either before embarking on the research for this post. Lots of change since those golden years!<br /><br />Bruce – I never would have guessed about that psychedelic Fina ad campaign –very cool! Maybe I’ll come across something and can pass it on. I know there are still some Fina stations around, particularly in the southwest. Those certainly were the days. Thanks!<br /><br />Jamcool – Thanks very much for that additional info on the West Coast Gulf Oil operations. Great stuff! Those “sail canopy” Wilshire stations (didn’t know the correct name for it until now –thanks!) are among the most interesting I’ve ever seen. Thanks again!Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07788722183424550052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1033289293807518844.post-40286694709479833942011-03-29T23:33:12.420-05:002011-03-29T23:33:12.420-05:00Anonymous 3- Thanks for that treasure trove of inf...Anonymous 3- Thanks for that treasure trove of information! I should have mentioned the fact the earliest “Noyes Mobils” had dropped the Pegasus logos, the desired emphasis being on the new Mobil wordmark. It’s my understanding that Mobil came under criticism for this and decided to restore the Pegasus(es?), enclosing them in the white disc in order to be consistent with the new design.<br /><br />Very interesting notes about Arco and about Clark’s entry into Cleveland as well. Sounds like the gas companies’ relationships with trading stamps were even more fitful than those of the supermarkets. And it does appear that several of the ex-Standard Oil companies tended to accept each other’s credit cards.<br /><br />Regarding the “loaf of bread” porcelain-clad stations, I’m wondering of your referring to the “ice box” designs. I do show one of those examples in the section about Gulf. Growing up in the Chicago area, I definitely remember the porcelain Jewel Food stores, though a great many of them were replaced with much larger Jewel-Osco combination stores through the 60’s and 70’s. I have several photographs of the “loaf of bread” Jewels (never heard that term before!) and will need to feature them here one day. Thanks again! <br /> <br />Jdknbw15 – Thanks for the tip on the La Grande, Oregon Texaco station. Wow, that is one beautiful station! Amazing restoration job. Thanks again!<br /><br />Anonymous 4 – Thanks very much - glad it brought some memories back for you!<br /><br />David – I’m glad! I’d love to have seen an example of a Flying A station – they always look so cool in photos. Corporate-owned or not, the stations of today seem pretty boring by comparison. Thanks!<br /><br />Greg – You’re welcome, and thanks for your kind words and for sharing those great memories. I was born a few years later (1963) but I can relate to your “know every model by sight” comment – it was so much easier in the past when year-to-year model changes were much more extensive. I have a really cool circa late 50’s photo of a Loblaws grocery store with an Imperial Esso station (if they sponsored the “Hockey Night” broadcast they must have been big there!) next door that I’ll need to put on here one day. It seems that many of the major American gas brands either marketed directly in Canada or at minimum had credit card acceptance agreements there.<br /><br />Looks like you caught a good look at the “golden age” on your family trips to the eastern U.S. – very cool. Thanks again!<br /><br />Armpit Studios – Those old light standards were great-looking, I agree! The fluorescent tubes certainly provided a more pleasing light. I’m sure the cost or maybe the sheer size of the fixtures drove the changes.<br /><br />Sinclair has always been a favorite of mine, as well!<br /><br />Anonymous 5 – Thanks for that bit of info. Texaco was always at the forefront when it came to nationwide broadcast ads. I wonder if any oil companies sponsored the Grand Ole Opry broadcasts that followed the Met? <br /><br />Tomcat – Thanks very much – I’m glad it did! You know, I ‘m surprised that I can’t remember those Arco/Sinclair commercials. I was 7 at the time, living in the NW suburbs of Chicago and watching a ridiculous amount of TV! ;)<br /><br />Toemail – Much appreciated. You never know!Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07788722183424550052noreply@blogger.com