The last time I filled my tank, I think it was the day before yesterday, the price of regular gasoline was $4.29 at a convenience store in Beaver Dam, KY. Of course, I got out of my truck, scanned my debit card, and pumped the gas myself, as Daisy, my pug patiently waited. No one came rushing out to wash my windshield, and check the oil, and tire pressure. If I didn’t do these things myself, it wouldn’t get done.
I well remember when gas stations were full service. When I started to drive, in the mid 1970s, gas was about 50 cents per gallon, and it didn’t matter where I bought it, someone would be there to pump it, and see what else my vehicle might need. If I paid in cash, the attendant would take the money and bring back my change. There was always a smile, and as I was leaving, a friendly, “Have a good day. Come back, soon!”
Most of the old service stations would have a mechanic on duty, who could fix a flat, or plug a tire, change spark plugs, set the point gap and ignition timing, or change the oil. It was just what was expected. Even the small town and rural stations had a mechanic.
It was the 1980s before most all stations were modernized to pay at the pump and self-service. A few stations held out a little longer, and would charge a couple of cents more per gallon, to keep providing their full service convenience. Ultimately, however, they weren’t able to compete in a changing world.
Many of the old service stations are still around, abandoned along America’s back roads and small towns. Others have been renovated to serve the needs of a more modern world.
Service stations are a great subject for the back road photographer. Some still have the old pumps, which show the price of gasoline when they pumped their last gallon. Others have the old oil advertising signs, some of which have become highly collectable. All hold memories waiting to be reclaimed for someone, with a camera and lens.
