#Station June 21

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

Today for the 30-Day Sign Coach4aday Challenge my post is about a STATION. Emphasis on a Gas STATION.

Today it seems that every time I am purchasing gas, I am doing it at what I would define as a grocery or convivence store. Nostalgia buffs are finding it harder and harder to fill up at a what many would define as a traditional gas station. Pinterest can offer up some images of what I imagine.

Gas Station Nostalgia

Exorbitant fuel prices may draw you to a conclusion that selling gas is profitable but apparently that is not the case. Look at the fact that a 100 years ago America had some 200,000 places to purchase fuel. Today that number is almost half with 110,000 locations. Better fuel mileage, hybrids, and E-Cars all have decreased the need.

When STATIONS were at their peak you often saw attendants pumping your fuel. Today in 49 of the 50 states you pump your own gas for the most part. New Jersey is the only hold out where it is illegal for you to self-serve gasoline.

Inside a business you could purchase things to assist with travel including a map. Gas stations would not only emblazon maps with their logo, but would give out premiums for purchases, such as drinking glasses, figurines, coins, and for adults, ashtrays, lighters, and bottle openers, creating a contemporary collectible category along the way. 

On Friday I was using back roads to travel from Myrtle Beach SC to North Carolina and came to an abandoned business located outside of Nichols SC called Spring Branch Store. Sitting out front was one lone rusted gas pump that had an analog gas meter. No credit or debit card payment option here. It was a pump that required you to go inside and pay cash and at $2.20 a gallon I would be all in today.