Fill'er Up (65)

Fill'er Up
An Architectural History of Americas Gas Stations
by Daniel I Vieyra

This was a look at the architecture of gas stations. I was hoping this might be more about the gas stations from the standpoint of the gas companies, styles, time periods etc. But this did give some insight into the development of the gas station. Originally they did not have to do anything.. people would find them.. as cars grew in popularity, the gas stations had to find a way to disquingish themselves from every other gas station. One way to do this was with a consistent image. So, even though you were far from home.. you could stop that the friendly Standard station and it would be just like at home..
There were 3 phases.. Respectable.. stations that fit into the community... that did not stand out, but that mimicked and complimented the other buildings in the community.
Domestic.. Minimizing community opposition.. this was often done by disguising the stations and equipment.
Functions was championed by people like Frank Lloyd Wright.. being just what it is and nothing more or less. He foresaw the gas station becoming a neighborhood distribution center, a meeting place, a restaurant, a restroom..
In the 60's First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson headed up a beautiful America campaign, and called together the oil companies to see what they could do to beautiful gas stations.. Interesting that the look of a gas station would be elevated to a presidential issues :)
It is intersting to reflect that there are no service stations anymore.. I live in a fair sized town.. and there are none that I can find. If you want your car serviced take it to a dealership. I remember only 15 years ago taking my car to the Shell station down the street for service... the station is still there.. but gone are the service bays... there is a McDonalds there now in its place.