Redartz: Okay, you may be wondering: "the attractions of gas stations"? And in today's world of ubiquitous convenience stores and self-service gas pumps, you could have a point. Gas stations today are almost indistinguishable from each other, and are fairly sterile in design and function. But in the past, gas stations had more variety, more appeals to gain your business, and more service (hence the name 'service stations'; you don't hear that tossed around anymore).
A few examples:
Anyone recall the "Shell Coin Game" promotions that were periodically held in the 60's and 70's? With each stop for gas, the driver (in my case, me- Dad would hand the coins back to us to collect) would receive a coin or two , designed to fit into a holder available at those same gas stations. You would try to collect a given group of coins in order to win a prize. There were Presidential coins, State coins, and my favorite- Mattel "Hot Wheels" coins. Even as late as the mid 90's, such a coin game was still found at Shell...
Other stations would sell toys featuring their logos and corporate designs. Toy fuel trucks, stuffed animals, etc. I always wanted a Citgo Fuel Truck, but never got one (not that many Citgo stations where I grew up).
And they used to give away road maps. Yes, free. My brother and I would pick up a road map on family trips for each state we visited. But those went out even before the last full-service pumps shut down.
So do you have any memories about gas stations, their designs, their promotions, even their commercials? Do they even still have gas commercials anymore? Put a gallon in the tank, pop the hood, and give us your thoughts. I'll get the windshield...
