I am in need of some advice. I am going to add a gas station to a layout I am building. The layout is freelanced, but set in the northwest (Washington, Oregon, northern California) during the late 40's through the 50's. What brands of gasoline were sold in that region during that time? I know Clark was more mid west. I have found some pictures that indicate that Standard was in the area then. I'd like to model a regional company if possible, but if not, then a national brand that was present in the northwest during that time period. Thanks in advance for any help or ideas!Gas stations, regional, northwest
Argh. Can't stir the cobwebs enough tonight for Washington. Mobilgas, Phillips- 66, Shell, Texaco, Atlantic-Richfield, Standard Oil, Gulf... Many more not coming into mind right now! Union Oil, Esso,... Boxcab E50
I would search the postcard section of ebay using the advanced search function. Look for the keywords: GAS WA , specifying an all words search (+search title and description). Then search GAS OR for Oregon and so on and so forth..... A quick check of this reveals: CHIEF GAS (from a refinery in Spokane), Shell, Standard. Also saw a RED CROWN postcard fron Northern CA. Spell out WASHINGTON, CALIFORNIA and OREGON for other results.
Also, as with many places, there were different distributors in Washington State. So you could find Conoco in far eastern Washington, but not on the west side. And so forth... In the 1950s, a lot of the smaller brand names were quickly disappearing. Either going under, or being bought up re-branded. You could search for Petroliana collector/history web sites. I know there is a collection/museum in Seattle. Believe it's called "Gasoline Alley?" Those I listed earlier were in business when I was a boy. My first wage paying job was for Mobilgas, when I was just seven years old. It was a cinder block building. I recall the Pegasus emblems on pumps, oil cans, etc. Used to have pile of original Pegasus decals which were for application on bulk oil bottles, etc. Boxcab E50
Don't forget the "Flying A" and Conoco brands as well. Can't think of anything more than has already been stated.
I did a quickie google and already found this, which gave me an idea for you. Look up old road maps on ebay or other collectibles sites. That will tell you the oil companies, as well as show you what the logo looked like then. I worked for Chevron for a while, and I know the Chevron has changed over the years. Some very navy blue, some had the white chevron, some had a wing attached. The newest one looks like folded ribbon. http://usm.maine.edu/maps/sites/default/files/daronson/exhibition/exhibition-image/26.jpg
Thanks, guys! I have gone back and looked at the space where this will go, and find that the station kit I wanted to use is too large (and won't look good if I bash it down a bit), so I am going to have to use a different one. Actually, that opens up some more possibilities as to which oil company I'll go with. I DO want to use a regional one rather than a national if possible, so Chief or Red Crown might be just the ticket. Again, thanks. I've posted some new pics of the layout progress: http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=2143 and scroll to the end.
Here is the link to my signs, you will find gas station sign from all over the USA & Canada from the 1930's to about the 1970's. http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=114404
Brands sold in that region at that time... Standard of Calif/Chevron...Standard stations(company owned) were red/white/blue with the "chevron shield"-Chevron dealers were beige with green stripes and the winged-V Chevron Gas Station signs. Union 76 Richfield Signal Flying-A Mohawk Beacon Plus Mobil, Shell, and Texaco
