Where Did People Buy Gasoline?
Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2019 1:23 pm
When the Model T was in its infancy and there were very few motorized vehicles on the road where did you buy gasoline?
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Re: Where Did People Buy Gasoline?
Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2019 1:53 pm
Most likely at the local mercantile or if there happened to be an auto repair shop it may have had fuel and oil for sale.
Re: Where Did People Buy Gasoline?
Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2019 1:56 pm
I think by the time the Model T came along in 1908 cars were common enough that a lot of blacksmith/mechanic shops and livery stables had pumps. Earlier, believe it or not, one source of gasoline or other motor fuels was the local drug store. Of course in a small town the general store sold motor fuels, lubricants, and of course kerosene for your lamps, along with everything else. The kerosene, gas, and oil were sold in square five gallon cans. Standard Oil would give you a free Rayo lamp if you bought enough kerosene. Mom was born in 1910, and being the youngest kid her job was to reach into lamp chimneys with a piece of newspaper to wipe out the soot.
Re: Where Did People Buy Gasoline?
Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2019 5:00 pm
Early sidewalk pumps were located in front of businesses in both city and rural areas. The local business provided this service.
Re: Where Did People Buy Gasoline?
Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2019 5:20 pm
i have the pump but not the cad.charley
Re: Where Did People Buy Gasoline?
Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2019 5:22 pm
What Steve said.
If it wasn't for the gasoline stoves on the farms, motor fuel would have been a lot harder to come by.
If it wasn't for the gasoline stoves on the farms, motor fuel would have been a lot harder to come by.
Re: Where Did People Buy Gasoline?
Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2019 5:29 pm
Re: Where Did People Buy Gasoline?
Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2019 6:25 pm
Not sure but we have 21 stations within 10 miles of town with less than 4000 people. None anything like what I remember gas stations looking like in my memory.
Re: Where Did People Buy Gasoline?
Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2019 7:32 pm
When gasoline was first sold it was sold at pharmacies in open containers. Around 1880 the first pumps were developed around Fort Wayne Ind to dispense kerosene for stoves and lanterns. They soon were adapted for gasoline and placed next to the street for cars. The first "drive in" service station was opened December 1, 1913 in Pittsburgh Pa at the corner of Baum Boulevard and St Clair Street. Gulf Oil Service Station.
Here are two completely different pictures claiming to be the first station in Pittsburgh PA.
Here are two completely different pictures claiming to be the first station in Pittsburgh PA.
- December-1-First-Gulf-station-AOGHS.jpg (54.53 KiB) Viewed 4626 times