Watch it at:
http://video.wpt2.org/video/2328721025IntroA brand-new documentary produced by Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) takes a look at vintage gas stations as icons of architecture, economics and pop culture.
Filling Stations With the arrival of hand-cranked pumps, the first gas stations appeared on the landscape. The shack-like buildings evolved to look like little houses to better fit into the neighborhoods.
The Service Station In an effort to increase profits during the hard times of Great Depression, gas retailers began adding service bays to the filling station.
Designing an Icon Milwaukee architect Alexander Eschweiler's Japanese inspired pagoda-like stations paved the way for modern fast food structures.
Restoring the Glory Days
In Independence, Loren Nelson restored a 1931 Texaco station back to its former glory.
The Oblong Box Increased competition set the stage in the 1930s for an entirely new station—an efficient design that lasted for the next 30 years.
End of an Era During the 1970s rising gas prices, self-service pumps and strict environmental standards caused some stations go out of business or convert to convenience stores.
Historic Gas Stations Almost 70 Wisconsin gas stations are now listed on local, state and national registers of historic places.
