Photo of The Month – Feb 2010

Full Service

Picture contributor: Roy Lee Harris Collection

The interior of a 1950's gas station "store" with shelves on the back wall with items for sale: cigarettes, spark plugs, cigars, etc. Two attendants are present, in greasy coveralls. — Full Service

It was a simpler time back in the fifties. Cars were simpler. No computers, and many, many fewer parts.

The owner, hand on the Gulf gas pump, ready to serve you. If one had “car trouble” (and didn’t repair it himself) Cliffside folks had a couple of options available. One was the Fairview Ser. Sta., as the Coca-Cola sign stated. Harry Hawkins and Guy Ramsey (above, left and right) were the proprietors. That’s also Harry having a cigarette at the pump.

A stop for gas might reveal a need for additional oil or other fluids, or a new fan belt. Parts wore out more quickly in those days. It was unusual for a car to last as long as 100,000 miles. If you had a serious problem, you might need to leave it a day or two, but get your own ride. A loaner? Forgetaboutit!

Gas pump photo courtesy Judy Dedmond Mason.