Sinclair Station - Ponca City / Ink-fused art from JimRode at Friday Night Art

Sinclair Station, Ponca City

Where

fridaynightart in Ponca City, Oklahoma

The Art

Fifty years ago, pneumatic tubes of rubber stretched across the perimeters of gas stations. Driving over them as you entered the station rang the bell inside. An attendant would pop out to take your order, “5 bucks”, “10”, “fill’er up” - whatever you asked for, he would pump your gas.

He starts the pump, checks your oil, and cleans your windshield. If you ask for a tire check - he’ll check and fill each tire. It not only was a free service, but many stations gave you green stamps for your gift bonus booklet. 

I remember (in childhood) Dad would fill up at stations which gave a glass tumbler on fill up. All of our glassware came from gas stations. We collected S&H stamps to redeem later for gifts. We had dozens of books.

This restored station in Ponca City Oklahoma (complete with Sinclair Dinosaur), recalls those days.