History Images of vintage gas stations ~ pre 65

Cover of Life magazine from 1953. “A stretch of Route 66 in Arizona”.

 

Norman's long gone now,had the best milkshake ever

 

Is this building still there? What road was (is) it on? Could it be “behind” Desperate Times?

 

It's still there, I just saw it in July. It's on Rt. 11, Harrisburg Pike and Wolf Bridge Road.

 

The Summit Inn, circa 1930 shows small rental cabins on the hillside behind the garage at the left. This is the second Summit Inn, and it was located at the top of the Cajon Pass on National Old Trails Road (note the NOTR diamond sign at lower right). NOTR became Route 66 in 1926, and was sign posted as Route 66 in 1928.

 

Christianson's Cajon Mountain Camp was located at Cajon Junction, on Route 66. Rental cabins can be seen at the rear of the facility. This is a postcard that was mailed in 1942.

 

“ Canute Service Station = Uniroyal Tires “ in Canute Oklahoma

 

Sunoco Gas Station

 

That's a large building. I'll bet they had a really thriving business back in the day.

 

Ballard, California

Hello,

We drove by this old gas station location in Ballard, CA. many times when we visited my wife’s mom and dad in their home a few miles away. The new area in the back forest area of the Santa Ynez Valley suited her parents better than the 20 acre property near Lake Isabella. As far as actual land is concerned, 20 acres is a lot of land. Most of it was open space and forested trees.

The landing pad and home plot were located at the top of the acres and the view as pretty nice. They had a difficult time keeping the property updated and the weekly upkeep and sparse area was beginning to get to them. It certainly was not a visit any day or week from the two daughters or son.

So, they sold the property and moved to this area of So Cal, in an acre lot and much better weather. Now, access from all of the family members was a lot easier, with freeway or coastal highway access. Only a smattering of homes nearby and the view was wide open all around. Time does not stand still for anyone or any period of history. So, within several years, the view as hindered, despite being on 1 acre of land. The neighbors started building all around the fenced property and now, it was no longer on fairly empty land of trees and open fields.

Jnaki

They eventually moved back to coastal So Cal and bought a nice house with the proceeds of the last sale. But, while we were up there visiting, we knew the area well. There are two roads leading in and out of the community and little towns nearby were easily accessed on a daily basis. One of those communities was called Ballard.

As we drove to Ballard for various shopping and dining, we noticed what looked like an old gas station.

"Bob's Well Bread Bakery at the Ballard Store" and will be situated where the iconic Ballard General Store and Gas Station, originally built by Niels Jorgen Nielsen in 1939, once stood.

Bob's Well Bread, Artisanal Bakery — a beacon for handmade, small-batch artisan breads and pastries was opened in a custom bakery/restaurant in the small unincorporated town of Ballard, population 467.

“The new location shop was to be named "Bob's Well Bread Bakery at the Ballard Store" and will be situated where the iconic Ballard General Store and Gas Station, originally built by Niels Jorgen Nielsen in 1939, once stood.”

 

Hyde Park between Seligman and Peach Springs has been gone for years. About the only photo that exists of the complex in its heyday shows the gas station

 

Hazard, Kentucky, located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, has a rich history tied to coal mining and transportation. The presence of a service station like the Oval Stone Service Station would have been a significant convenience for travelers and locals alike. It would have served not only as a place to refuel but also as a community gathering spot where people exchanged news and stories.

 

Young boy (Neville Dablestein) sitting in a pedal car at a petrol station - State Library of Queensland

 

Years ago, a rumor began circulating that Art Lacey had landed his newly acquired Boeing B-17 bomber on Mcloughlin Blvd. to place it on its pedestal over the famed Bomber Gas Station. This is inaccurate. Art Lacey landed his BT-13 Valiant on Mcloughlin Blvd., which was parked behind the B-17. The bomber was landed at the Troutdale Airport and trucked into position at 2:00 AM in the morning with the assistance of a convoy of young veterans and teenagers in their 1920s, 30s, and 40s era hotrods. The Lacey Lady is currently at McNary Field undergoing full restoration to flightworthy status. She is the lowest flight time B-17 in existence.
PHOTO: Circa 1947, courtesy of the Lacey family archive.

 

Hey I work on Mcgloughlin blvd. I can remember just a few years back when the air frame was still on top of the gas station. Im glad it's getting restored now and not out in the elements.

 

Take a step back to 1925 in Beatty, Nevada, where the Beatty Cash Store was part of the community. Owned by Mom and Pop Richings, this photo feels like a story waiting to be told. While Pop stands proudly, Mom’s less-than-thrilled expression is pure gold—maybe she wasn’t a fan of the camera that day!
This crystal-clear image is packed with treasures: Red Crown Gasoline, Zerolene, and a Pearl Oil sign perched on the tree to the right—collectors would swoon over these today. Even the storefront windows offer a glimpse into the past, showcasing what a desert town store carried nearly a century ago. And let’s not overlook the real star of this scene—a feline photobomber stealing the show!

 

The Old Blue Done Gulf station on Rte. 66 in Tulsa,

 

A slice of life from Alamo, Nevada, 1920s-30s. The Foremaster's Alamo Store stands proudly, with two men posing outside and a charming old fuel pump adding a nostalgic touch

 

In 1948, Kingman, Arizona, was a bustling small town along the iconic Route 66, serving as a key stopover for travelers crossing the vast desert landscapes of the American Southwest. Located in the heart of Mohave County, Kingman was already deeply rooted in history, having been founded in the late 1800s as a railroad town during the construction of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad. By 1948, Kingman had grown significantly, fueled by the post-war boom and the increasing

 

One of my favorite US towns and i can picture where that shot was taken. Thanks Dave. JW

 

Bodie, California 1959, When it was just another old ghost town. Before it became a state park.

 

1950 Camino Pablo and the Crossroads in Orinda, Ca
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Ghost Town, now a National Park, Bodie Ca. in winter.1927 Dodge and Lottie Johls house on Main Street.