Photo of The Month – Oct 2007

Filling Station

Picture contributor: Riley Callahan

Remember when there were filling stations everywhere, representing many more brands than exist today? Remember Sinclair (with the dinosaur on the logo), Cities Service, Amoco, Gulf, and lots of lesser brands, like Republic, that have been put out of business or gobbled up by the giant companies? All of them sold their gas for about 15¢ a gallon.

There was no self service in those days. Pumping gas required a professional, clad in oil-stained coveralls and perhaps wearing a leather bow tie. Unless you waved him off he would check your oil and tires, and clean your windows, front to back. You paid in cash; there were no credit cards. Periodically, when your car began to squeak and rattle louder than usual, you would have it “greased” (or lubricated, as we would say today, except modern cars don’t require it).

This particular station, photographed in the 1940s, was located on Harrill Town Hill, in Caroleen, across the road from Windy’s Grill. It was run by Bill Greene, second from left in the photo. Bill married Pet Crowe’s daughter Margaret. They had a child named Sonny, whose dog is languishing in the shade in the background.

From left, Rob Twitty, Bill Greene, Christo Deal, C. B. Smith, Roy Smith, Jake Price and Mont Twitty. Mr. Price was Caroleen’s postmaster.