Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion Los Angeles - Las Vegas

Hey all,

Was hoping I might tap some of this fountain of knowledge. I am an architecture student from the UK, and am coming over to Los Angeles in a few weeks looking to research filling/service/gas stations. I want to do a road trip taking in as many authentic (or as authentic as possible) stations as possible, from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and around. I was hoping some of you might have a bit of advice for me in terms of where to look. I am interested in all types of roadside architecture, from diners to old classic motels, but primarily filling stations. My real interest is to see those that are still running, but if anyone has knowledge of a jewel of a place that is no longer being used, or even better, one that has been turned into another type of building (residential, shop, pet store, anything) then so much the better.

I've been a fan of roadside architecture for many years and am really hoping to make the most of this trip. Any information at all would be greatfully received.

Regards

Ho Jonny,
Good luck with your road trip. Be sure to see this station in LA.
http://www.oldgas.com/shoptalk/ubb/Forum4/HTML/000481.html

There's a nice display in the Peterson Museum in LA.
http://petersen.org/

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Jim "Oldgas" Potts
Your host and moderator

I know you are set to be in the LA and Vegas areas but if you really want to see old stations you need to get out in the rural areas instead of the metro areas. Go to states like Missouri, Nebraska, Minnesota, Arkansas, Michigan, Iowa ect. Many old abandoned stations and many still in use. Nothing wrong with the LA or Vegas areas but alot of dozers and ubanization there.

Hey Jonny,

Check out the site: http://www.ohiobarns.com/index.html
Lots of old architechure here to enjoy.
Good hunting on your visit.

Mick

[This message has been edited by aquartlow (edited 10-12-2006).]

WELCOME TO OLDGAS.COM
Not much to see in Las Vegas for old stations. But L.A. has a bunch, especially if you fallow Old Route 66 or the truck routes. Most are locksmith or flower shops now.
db

If I remeber correctly.... There is a place at the top of Cajon Pass, just outside of Victorville, on your way into Los Angeles...

Great. Thanks. Sounds like it isnt the ideal spot but a fare few worth seeing anyway. I appreciate all the replys. If any more come to you, then please let me know.

Cheers

The Gilmore station pictured is near the Farmers Market area of Los Angeles. You might want to make a stop at the La Brea Tar pits. It is full of info about the oil business in L. A. in the early 1900s. Wildcatter Earl Gilmore made his fortune in that area after discovering oil. The real estate around there known as "The Wilshire District" is some of the highest priced commercial real estate anywhere.

Petersen Automotive Museum is very near that Gilmore station and the La Brea Tar Pits.