Off Shore Muse: October 2024

Restored Shell Service Station

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

The Shell Service Station is a former filling station constructed in 1930 following a decision in the 1920s by the new local shell distributor, Quality Oil Company, to bring brand awareness to the market in Winston-Salem. The building is an example of representational or novelty architecture and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 13, 1976. It is located in the Waughtown-Belview Historic District at the corner of Sprague and Peachtree Streets. The station is the only one to survive today from a total of eight built in the Winston-Salem area and was built by Frank L. Blum & Co.

This single-story Shell station, in the shape of a giant scallop shell, was built by R.H. Burton and his son, Ralph, in 1930. The owners of the oil company decided to attract customers through a series of shell-shaped service stations. Preservation North Carolina, an organization dedicated to the preservation of historic sites, spent one year and $50,000 to bring the landmark station back to its original condition. Workers removed layers of faded yellow paint to reveal the Shell's original yellow-orange color. The original front door was repaired and a crack fixed that had been preciously sealed with nothing more than black tar. The wooden, trellised shelter that houses the car wash and alllowed cards to be washed and/or serviced in the shade was reconstructed, as well. Quality Oil Company donated restored gas pumps and replica lamp posts to help finish off the restoration. The landmark now serves as a museum for Preservation North Carolina.

Sidenote: While spending winters in North Carolina, Bill and I traveled to Winston-Salem to see this unique Shell service station. It is a shame the other seven unique Shell stations weren't restored throughout the Winston-Salem area.

Vintage Gas Stations, Uniformed Service Attendants, Low Prices, Soda Pop Machines

Togo, West Africa

Circa 1950s

Check Out These Classic Automobiles!

Notice the Quaker State sign and the 1961 Corvette!

Gas was 23.9

In 1905 .. the first dedicated gas station was established in St. Louis, Missouri at 420 South Theresa Avenue.

In 1907 .. the first service station is installed by the Standard Oil Company of California (now Chevron) in Seattle, Washington at what is now Pier 32.

In 1909 .. the oldest existing gas station in the United States is Reighard's Gas Station in Altoona, Pennyslvania.

In 1913 .. the Gulf Refining Company opened the world's first drive-in gas station at the corner of Baum Boulevard and St. Clair Street. The date was December 1, 1913. Until then, drivers got their gas at general stores, hardwares, blacksmiths and even pharmacies. The station offered free air, water, crankscase service, tire and tub installation.

Gas stations have been crucial throughout history, evolving alongside transportation. They enabled the widespread adoption of automobiles, facillitating mobilty and commerce. Over time, they've evolved into convenience hubs offering not just fuel, but also servies like snacks, restrooms and even in modern America electric vehicle charging stations. Gas stations continue to play a vital role in supporting modern society's transportation needs and economic activities.

The largest gas station today is called Buc-ee's based out of Texas. It has turned a necessity into an adventure! Its biggest store is in Sevierville, Tennessee with 74,707 square feet! Buc-ee's spokesman for the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), Jeff Nadalo states the brand keeps it simple: "Buc-ee's has remained committed to providing award-winning clean restrooms, freshly prepared food, cheap gas and outstanding customer service.

This Customer Gets Free Gas Today!

Check out the Corvair Pulling In for Richfield Service

5 Cent Cokes!

Beer Sales By The Case!

It's a 1958 Chevrolet!

National Hot Rod Association

Texaco Proprieter, Dan J. Couget

1960 Chevrolet Impala Convertible

Love that Coca-Cola machine!

Love that Convertible!

I remember the string of plastic triangle shaped colored pennants and the sound they made!

I can hear them to this day!

Notice the Gas Station Attendant's Coin Belt.

Riddle's Esso Station

In 1972, the name Esso was largely replaced in the U.S. by the Exxon brand after the Standard Oil of New Jersey bought Humble Oil.

Another nostalgic Coca-Cola machine!

A cool Chevy!

Lloyd C. Robinette, Proprieter

Coca-Cola Glass Bottles

G.F. Plitt & Son

York, PA

A White Rose Gas Station

with

Charm as Evidenced by the Curved Front Door

and

Decorative Roofline above the Entrance.

1935 Diamond T Doodlebug Texaco Petroleum Gas Tank Truck

Texaco Filling Station

Robert Tesch, Proprietor

Waubay, South Dakota

Circa 1920s-1930s

Neland & Franklin

Cities Service

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Circa 1937

SUNOCO Gas Station Grand Opening

Somerset County, Kentucky

Circa 1950s

CONOCO Service Station

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Circa 1950s

In 1875, the "Continental Oil and Transportation Company" (acronym "Conoco") was founded in Ogden, Utah. In 1885, Conoco was reincorporated as part of Standard Oil. After the Supreme Court of the United States dissolved Standard Oil, Conoco became independent in 1913.