gas stations of the 40 & 50's

[TonyM]

I remember those Full Service Gasoline Stations from way back. You would pull in and run over the hose and the bell would go off. Then three uniformed servicemen would run out and start working on your car--gas, oil check, tires and then they would wash the windows. They had little change dispensers on their belts and the pumps would make a "ding" sound for every gallon. My dad's Buick Electra 225 had a 26 gallon tank. The gas station people working large chains would give you free maps, tire gauges, pens, toys, etc. And the gasoline smelled like gasoline.