I remember when filling stations looked like this. I remember when gas pumps looked like this.The gas station attendants back then would offer to check your oil and other fluids. Cleaning your windows was done without asking.
They would even do you the courtesy of checking the air pressure in your tires.
Nowadays, most places don't do that.
Corporations save money, they believe, by not offering those courtesies.
What they lost was something more precious.
Those were simpler, more generous times.
What happened?
I like this refurbished gas station.
The guy who owns this refurbished building put a really old car in the garage part of the station. This car would be older than what the station's era look is presenting, a time during the 1950's and 1960's, in America. Is it one of those Model T's?
I think this guy, who has been working on this project for years, did a pretty good job in capturing the era.
10 comments:
Hey Kelly,
Ah what nostalgia! And the guy who refurbished the gas station has really captured those magical times.
Awesome photos. Yep them thar were the days. I can vividly remember the guy asking me if I would like my 'dipstick' checked! Excuse me? lol
These days so many UK petrol/gas stations are closing down for the same reason that pubs are closing down - corporate big-business is taking over everything.
As an independent shopkeeper for many years (electronic components like Radio Shack) I always give priority support to smaller independent stores when I can.
Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
we have an antique dealer here who sells old gas pumps. The name of the place might fit better on your other site but it's called Past Gas! A really cool place to look at!!
Hi Kelly,
What a gas-(ok, bad pun)! Who knew that a gas station could even be quaint? I'm actually 'aghast' that we the people let go of such a gem and replaced it with ugly, impersonal self- serve(even if it is convenient). BTW, I actually have a small jackknife that is a replica of this Texaco gas pump. Seriously though, lovely photos Kelly, and lovely reminders of times when courtesy was truly valued.
klahanie- Yeah, I think the guy did a pretty good job of it. Dad says he's been working on it, off and on, for years, trying to make it look authentic.
The guy asked if you wanted your 'dipstick' checked? lol. Good one.
That sounds like something they would ask at the airport security checkpoint. No, wait. They don't ask, They just groping about immediately.
Bazza- That's for sure about the corporate-big businesses taking over everything. Wal-Mart, oil companies and banking corps are ruthless. I understand your feeling, in regards, to your shopkeeper years. I watched my Dad struggle to feed us during his waning years as a jewelry shop owner/watchmaker. Everyone would flock to Wal-Mart because of the convenience of getting everything at one time in one place. Now, there are hardly any small businesses left in town, except the junk shops. It's sad. And no real jobs, either, unless you want to work for Wal-Mart or a gambling boat.
MarytrMom- That's neat about the antique dealer selling old gas pumps. I wonder how many do that. Not many, I'd think. Past Gas would be a great name.
THE SNEE- lol at your pun, there, Rebecca. Sounds like something Gary would say. heh heh. I know exactly what you mean by the letting go of the personal, courteous way of doing business in exchange for convenience. It's too bad that we let it all happen while, at the same time, it was pushed on us. That's pretty cool that you have a jacknife with the old Texaco pump on it. I bet there aren't many of those around.
Thank you for the photos comment. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving.
Nice shots. There's a gas station in our quaint, little town that still has those old, analog pumps (where the numbers roll.) Another gas station still offers full serve!
Lana Gramlich- Thanks. That's cool that you still have a gas station with pumps like that in your little town. As far as full service, we have a station that will pump your gas but that's it. No window cleaning, fluids checking or any other courtesies. But, that's what they call "progress" these days.
Hey, take care and I hope things are going well for you and yours.
Post a Comment