History Images of vintage gas stations ~ pre 65

Lamont OK

 

Townley Al

 

Young riders refuel during a children's sidecar race in Berlin, Germany, 1931.

 

Gilmore Oil’s Gas-A-Teria, One of the First Self Serve Gas Stations in Los Angeles, 1948 _ Throwback American Life - oldamerica.cafex.biz_1529. <<<<<<<<<<Many pics of the Gilmore Gas-A-Teria

 

On the north side of Route 66 between San Jon and Tucumcari New Mexico stands the ruins of the Cedar Hill Station, grocery store and auto court. It was built in 1940 and closed in 1980 when the interstate bypassed this stretch of 66. At one point while it was still open, flattened tin oil cans were used to repair the roof of the station.

 

Caption from photo:
"Rural filling station becomes community center and general grounds for loafing. The men in baseball suits are on a local team which will play a game nearby. The team is called the Cedargrove Team. Fourth of July, Near Chapel Hill, North Carolina"
Dorothea Lange didn't photograph many places in North Carolina, but she took several photos of the baseball team at this store, showing her typical gift for making iconic images. One of the images was used for a homefront informational poster during WWII.

 

I have always loved that photo ^. JW

 

New York 1920

 

Jasper Al.
1941

Rural Al. 1936

 

Eagleville in the 1950’s must have been a sweet place. This store has been closed a while now but it was so convenient and charming. I really miss it. When the Saloon opens this year we will have a little store with some essentials. It will be nice not to drive 15 miles for a quart of milk
1950's Eagleville, California

 

Out of the Past-1947. Jeff Bailey's (Robert Mitchum) gas station. Bridgeport, CA

 

“Remember those days when you could stick your thumb out and catch a ride to just about anywhere safely."

 

@Sting Ray


Hello,

Nice photo of So Cal history. Back when our dad used to take us into Los Angeles to visit some family friends that lived near the giant Elysian Park (now Dodger Stadium area) This location was prominent as it was between the Mt. Washington area and the southerly Elysian Park places. There were only a few places that anyone could cross the L.A. River in this general area.

Jnaki

Today, it is a working neighborhood and the area has changed, much like the rest of the world. Even during the pandemic.

Recently, since I have been looking at the endless information and old photos from the Kustomrama Website, one popped up that verified the location. 3304 North Figueroa in Los Angeles. Not just 3304 Figueroa.


It was once a nice area, but very far from the ocean and coastal So Cal locations. The happy hot rod guys were: Louis Banto and Sal Macchia 27 T Roadster KUSTOMRAMA

Note: The park is one of largest in Los Angeles at 600 acres. It is also the city's oldest park, founded in 1886 by the Elysian Park Enabling Ordinance. Back in 1967, there was a new movement going on and the location was perfect for drawing thousands of "youth" to a gathering at Griffith Park, one of many to come in So Cal. A free rock music festival with the biggest named bands in the LA region...

 

COE Gas Trucks

 

Greetings from Overton, Nevada (circa 1940s)! A quaint oasis amidst the rugged beauty of the Mojave Desert, this town emerged as a vital railroad stop in the early 20th century, thriving with agricultural ventures and scenic charm.
Overton, Nevada, owes its existence primarily to the construction of the Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad, which was completed in 1905. The town was established as a railroad station and loading point for the nearby St. Thomas community, which had to be relocated due to the rising waters of Lake Mead following the construction of the Hoover Dam in the 1930s.
Initially, Overton served as a hub for agricultural activities, particularly for the production of fruits and vegetables. The fertile land around the Virgin River provided ample opportunity for farming, and the railroad facilitated transportation of goods to wider markets.
In the mid-20th century, with the development of Lake Mead as a recreational area, tourism became increasingly important to Overton's economy. Today, Overton is known for its proximity to popular attractions such as the Valley of Fire State Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and the Hoover Dam.
While agriculture still plays a role in the local economy, tourism has become a significant driver, with visitors drawn to the area's natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and historical sites. Overton retains its small-town charm, offering a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors alike amidst the stunning desert landscape of Nevada.

 

Downtown Searchlight Nevada in the 1930s.
Caption provided with image by UNLV, Special Collections states; "The view of a street passing through Searchlight, Nevada. Formed in 1897, Searchlight is an old boomtown that was made popular when George Frederick Colton discovered gold at the location where the town is now built. Different shops and automobiles line the sides of the dirt road, while mountains and shrubs lie in the distance. Stores that reside on the left side of the street include The Big Store grocery and supply store, Arrowhead Garage, and a cafe. Buildings such as a garage and the Nevada Hotel stand on the opposing right side of the street."

 

Mountain City, Nevada 1940.

Founded in 1870 amidst the rugged peaks of northeastern Nevada, Mountain City emerged from the discovery of silver veins that drew over a thousand hopeful souls seeking fortune. However, like the transient nature of silver itself, the town's prosperity faded as quickly as it came, dwindling to a mere whisper of its former self.

But just as hope seemed lost, the earth revealed another treasure in 1879 – copper. With renewed vigor, people streamed back to Mountain City, transforming it once again into a bustling hub of activity. Yet, as the copper veins were depleted, so too was the town's vitality.

Despite its classification as a ghost town, Mountain City perseveres, its spirit kept alive by the resilient few who call it home. Amidst the timeless landscape, where the whispers of bygone eras linger, the local town bar stands as a beacon of community, a testament to the enduring legacy of Mountain City.

 

See Gravity Gas Pump in front of white bldg. on right of this pic

Step back in time to Pioche, Nevada, circa 1900-1925, or perhaps not quite as far back as you'd expect (archival misdated the image). Despite the vintage appearance, the vehicles in this scene suggest a later era, possibly the late 1940s or early 1950s. Nevertheless, the charm of Pioche's yesteryears remains palpable, with the iconic Gem Theater proudly standing tall on the left, recently honored with a place on the National Register of Historic Places. However, part of the Gem Theater in this photograph is actually part of the historic Thompson Opera House (formally Brown's Hall built in 1873).
Nestled in the rugged landscape of Lincoln County, Nevada, Pioche boasts a rich history that echoes the boom and bust cycles of the American West. Originally established as a silver mining town in the 1860s, Pioche quickly flourished into one of the West's most prosperous mining communities, earning the nickname "The Town That Refused to Die" for its resilience in the face of economic downturns and mining accidents.
During its heyday, Pioche was a bustling hub of activity, teeming with saloons, brothels, and gambling halls that catered to the rough-and-tumble miners seeking fortune in the surrounding hills. However, the town's prosperity was often overshadowed by violence and lawlessness, earning it a reputation as one of the wildest towns in the West.
Today, Pioche's storied past is preserved in its well-preserved historic buildings, such as the Gem Theater, offering visitors a glimpse into the rugged frontier spirit that defined this iconic Western town. As you stroll through its streets and soak in the timeless atmosphere, you can't help but feel a sense of reverence for the pioneers who carved out a living in this unforgiving landscape, leaving behind a legacy that continues to capture the imagination of adventurers and history buffs alike.

 

Art Deco C.O.E.

Family owned and operated

 

Dave Mc, you have kept this thread alive and well! I appreciate your time and effort.

 

A lot of time on my hands now,= C.O.P.D. 24/7 Oxygen Hose in my nose, fighting Bladder Cancer, Stuck at home. enjoying the posting too, Thanks for noticing.

Texaco and Castevens Chevrolet Motor Co. 1930's,

 

Chicks dig bikers

 

I think we all notice, Dave. So sorry to hear that, take care. JW