A couple of photos of Sinclair Gas Stations in Austin TX, the top one at 1901 Lamar Ave. and the bottom one at 5517 Cameron Road. Taken by Neal Douglas in 1955.
Images from the collection of the Texas History Project, from the University of Texas.
Vintage Snapshots: ’55 Dodge At The Gas Station — Texas, 1955
– Posted on March 16, 2024
that 2nd picture looks like a 1956 Bel Air
Nice demo of the ’56 taillight gas door, in honor of Capacity Day.
Anyone know the “what’s/why’s, etc” of “capacity day”?
Capacity Day was an annual event held by Sinclair stations in the 1950s. I think that stations competed against each other and each region’s highest-seller (in terms of gallons of gas) won recognition or prizes from the corporate office.
Some stations paired this with promotion to bring in new customers (like a bottle of Coke with a fill-up, etc.), while others appealed to existing customers to “help them out” and fill up on Capacity Day.
Is the guy in the first pic putting gas in the (Ford?) woody wearing a leather football helmet?
Fun pictures with lots to look at!
I’m guessing a fur lined winter hat with a leather “outer.” Looks like some of the fur is sticking out around the short bill of the cap.
I remember when there were full service gas stations and you could trust the stations. I also remember, 1972, driving to DC on the Jersey Turnpike. Stopped for gas, in Jersey you could not pump your own gas. Gas jockey told me I had to add oil. I had just had my late model Nova SS serviced and knew I did not need oil. From that day foreword, never let a gas jockey raise the hood on my autos.
Looks like these pictures are of different gas stations. The top one was located at 1901 S. Lamar Blvd. in Austin – identifiable because the proprietor has his name (Dale Elsner) above the door.
Amazingly, that building is still standing – redecorated and in use as a bar. https://maps.app.goo.gl/1q3SQgY747jSU9F8A
Then-and-now comparison below:
Thanks Eric! I updated the post with the proper info.
Sinclair gasoline station
Used to love the “Sinclair , TV commercials”.
Even in the early 70s most gas station attendants did NOT know where to put the nozzle in my ’56 150 2 dr. sedan to fill her up, which was quite often out in L.A.!! 🙂 DFO
Nice pix that bring fond memories of being a pump jockey .
I remember how many Chevy & Caddy owners would drive in and say ‘fill ‘er up !” then wait for me to ask them where the filler cap was…..
I knew .
Good times .
-Nate