When I was a kid, my dad took my mom, my sisters, and me on Sunday drives. Most trips involved a visit to see one of Dad’s sisters, but some were just outings to get us out of the house. Those drives often took us out into the country. We’d drive through farmland and Dad would point out sights he found interesting. I don’t recall any of the places we visited, but I do remember some stops for gas.
Back then each gas station had attendants. They pumped the gas, washed your windshield and offered to check your oil. Cars built in the 50’s burnt some oil, so it was a good idea to have it checked from time to time. Dad didn’t always do that, but I thought “Heck it’s free so why not give it a go.”
The attendant also asked how much gas you wanted. Sometimes Dad said, “Filler up.” and he often left the car running. I thought that was pretty smart. He was filling it up and burning gas at the same time. I thought he was getting something for free until I was old enough to figure out that the pump was computing everything that went into the tank. He paid for every drop.
Sometimes, he asked for a dollar or two. Gas was less than twenty-five cents a gallon back then, so a couple of dollars went a long way.
Most of the major brands had their attendants wear a company uniform. I don’t know if they had to purchase their own or not. Dad’s, Faygo Beverages, provided its drivers with shirts, but the guys had to purchase their own pants.
I recall one gas stop when he went into the station and came out with a few candy bars. I don’t know if my sisters got their own, but Dad, Mom, and I did. He gave me a PayDay. I remember it because I’d never had one before. Looking back, I think he bought it because there wasn’t any chocolate. Chocolate might have melted and that could have created a problem.
He didn’t ask what we wanted, but getting a treat like that was something special. I don’t know if he was hungry, or just feeling generous, but I recall my excitement as if it happened yesterday. The truth be told, it happened about seventy years ago. Time flies.
Brings back so many memories! Thank you Bob!
E also went on Sunday drives with no purpose but to “See how the other half lived.” Didn’t understand the comment but went through neighborhoods that looked different than our house but nothing as a kid I would say I wanted to trade places!
Beauty is in the eye of a kid!