tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24609436209878644702024-03-13T12:26:14.273-07:00Fuelish Thoughts: Wisconsin Gas StationsWe are authors of Fill 'er Up: The Glory Days of Wisconsin Gas Stations. This blog will be a place where readers can offer their comments and stories. We will share background materials used to produce our book, share stories, and keep people up to date on events related to the book.Jim Draegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882445255730020971noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460943620987864470.post-84416271366591275852009-07-30T19:13:00.000-07:002009-07-31T06:07:18.850-07:00The events continue...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhld3AXFweJ-tVMOIxy78BiypXioO6pBuaeX3YaihpgpKvWzxZmWvJesGbKYGE58HDKRRDIV0XR8V_IXU_UgBYxkX2JUDrwlV5DbST9UwSvNzY1uHOi3y972b-H9VSZXVAcD9MAdAlCtb2Z/s1600-h/perk.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHJhgkwrKE9kw7YYWVdFPbfK6FWGHIZBn8Rgs3JQzJqIXMeHfDrWVWlrcL-IDjuM1k_odMqis5GFdnz_8pj4wgnuOAn3NlUqy2GUGDhmeMbv3oFSVNvMxGxT5scVGvdG1LNMXHJYhjLkZ/s1600-h/Janesville.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364442333344464322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHJhgkwrKE9kw7YYWVdFPbfK6FWGHIZBn8Rgs3JQzJqIXMeHfDrWVWlrcL-IDjuM1k_odMqis5GFdnz_8pj4wgnuOAn3NlUqy2GUGDhmeMbv3oFSVNvMxGxT5scVGvdG1LNMXHJYhjLkZ/s400/Janesville.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Book events are always interesting and tonight's special event was no different. The Wisconsin Historical Society Press was invited to put up a display and sell books during a house and garden tour at the Governor's Mansion on Lake Mendota in Madison. I was available and tagged along to sign books and chat with visitors. Several people shared that they had enjoyed the book. </div><div></div><br /><div>By far the best comment I heard all night came from a resident of Janesville. This gentleman noted the effect the book has had in Janesville and shared that multiple copies of Fill'er Up have been seen at city council and historic commission meetings there. </div><div></div><br /><div>You might recall that the station above has been threatened often. The fabulous Standard Oil super service station was built in 1930 and is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The building is said to be located in the way of progress and the future growth of the Janesville police department. But, residents and supporters believe the building matters, it can be successfully reused, and are looking for a way to save it. Time will tell but I hope they are successful. </div><div></div><br /><div>It is encouraging to hear that Fill'er Up is more than an entertaining read. Of course, we think it's much more than just that. In addition to a wee bit o nostalgia, there is plenty of inspiration for those willing to invest the time and heart into old buildings like the super service station in Janesville. There are examples of award-winning historic rehabilitations like <a href="http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/hp/buildings/restorations/copeland.asp">Sherman Perk </a>in Milwaukee. There are vintage photographs and resources throughout that will guide individuals in the right direction. And, there are a few examples of stations that have been horribly altered and even demolished that may serve as a warning.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div><br />If we can help with a project in your community, please be in touch. Don't hesitate to ask questions. Fill'er Up should help you understand why these buildings matter and we hope that others will be willing to listen. </div><div> <br /></div><div> </div><div></div><div>For a list of upcoming events, please take a look at this <a href="http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/whspress/books/book.asp?book_id=321&books_extra_id=549&book_title=Fill+%27er+Up%3A+The+Glory+Days+of+Wisconsin+Gas+Stations&book_title_short=Fill+%27er+Up">link</a>. We hope to see you soon! </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Mark Speltzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15179710007416913880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460943620987864470.post-64737801824045360502009-06-26T18:27:00.000-07:002009-06-26T18:49:29.023-07:00On the Road Again...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQP6lWDCC2xi0XXVhsLsf03YInuWclfa5XtXP2l7WoojL9r4DOUeaw9xqG5w3C_RrvtcsK_rnSc-dyGs-O6ueR1qSb0_X0jPJbR4pIopqVEMO52RJx43L9S80gd0Uq0rDDLTN6eN3NVO-/s1600-h/2007_0322pics0006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351813865544172530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQP6lWDCC2xi0XXVhsLsf03YInuWclfa5XtXP2l7WoojL9r4DOUeaw9xqG5w3C_RrvtcsK_rnSc-dyGs-O6ueR1qSb0_X0jPJbR4pIopqVEMO52RJx43L9S80gd0Uq0rDDLTN6eN3NVO-/s400/2007_0322pics0006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Jim and I are hitting the road again! It sounds a lot cooler to say we're on summer tour, but that's stretching it a bit. We still have our day jobs. </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>After wooing Door County a few weeks ago, we're getting ready to attend the fabulous car show at Iola, Wisconsin. The 2009 show will take place July 9 - 12th. Click <a href="http://www.iolaoldcarshow.com/index.asp">here</a> for more info. We'll be attending the first two days and selling books, swappping stories, and enjoying the many restored automobiles on display. </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Next we're off to the <a href="http://northwoodspetroleummuseum.org/">Northwoods Petroleum Museum </a>on July 19 and then Minocqua the next evening. In August we'll be in Ashland and Milwaukee so keep an eye out. </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>If you're having trouble keeping track of this, check out the Wisconsin Historical Society Press online for a <a href="http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/whspress/books/book.asp?book_id=321&books_extra_id=549&book_title=Fill+%27er+Up%3A+The+Glory+Days+of+Wisconsin+Gas+Stations&book_title_short=Fill+%27er+Up">listing of Fill 'er Up events</a>.</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>We hope you're having a great summer. Drive safe.</div><div></div><div></div>Mark Speltzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15179710007416913880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460943620987864470.post-15541682841102675992009-03-17T11:06:00.000-07:002009-03-17T11:47:14.308-07:00We are ready for our closeup, Mr. DeMille<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP84HThTM0H8k2pTqOMk8GHABpd_qHlwB8SjEQJfyFxanTF3qttqeOPlxRJm19ZYefNF5m9L5Q9krZK5rOaLepXcR0iKwPx5nk9gxWhOYKavMoMEfBDkH0LtbbnH7aCMjaQPjkHOMwNx1X/s1600-h/HA5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP84HThTM0H8k2pTqOMk8GHABpd_qHlwB8SjEQJfyFxanTF3qttqeOPlxRJm19ZYefNF5m9L5Q9krZK5rOaLepXcR0iKwPx5nk9gxWhOYKavMoMEfBDkH0LtbbnH7aCMjaQPjkHOMwNx1X/s400/HA5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314230100065460610" border="0" /></a><br />We have learned that Fill'er Up has been selected as a finalist by ForeWord Magazine for their 2008 Book of Year. Fill'er Up is a finalist in the Travel Book Category. We did not set out to write a travel book, but we are proud that it is seen as a useful guide to Wisconsin Stations. The winners will be announced at BookExpo in NYC on May 29th. Keep your spark plug wires crossed for us (or whatever it is that you choose to cross).<br /><br />We also have proud company. Two other <a href="http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/whspress/">Wisconsin Historical Press</a> titles have also been chosen as finalists. Jerry Apps book, Old Farm is a finalist in the Enviromental Category and Bobbi Malone and Kori Oberle's fourth grade textbook, Wisconsin: Our State, Our Story, is a finalist in Juve Non-Fiction. We stand proud among our friends and colleagues.<p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Tunga;font-size:85%;color:navy;" ><span style=";font-family:Tunga;font-size:11;color:navy;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Tunga;font-size:85%;color:navy;" ><span style=";font-family:Tunga;font-size:11;color:navy;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>Jim Draegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882445255730020971noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460943620987864470.post-66472415060743819632009-02-24T09:13:00.000-08:002009-02-24T09:23:44.877-08:00Fill'er Up: The Exhibit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2U2p5ysz5lH8ze6t2Dx_ezClPlz212VKqBQ_kGTrj7M6DIUpr1roBwZ_xzagW-l1ozAk5hAkVV4QPWkJ40dzMTItDzaGKGMZf7hw72pj-Ky265W6L71SglXAniIrezfaZx5I44vcPZlx/s1600-h/Fill+er+Up+Cover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306415516185171666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2U2p5ysz5lH8ze6t2Dx_ezClPlz212VKqBQ_kGTrj7M6DIUpr1roBwZ_xzagW-l1ozAk5hAkVV4QPWkJ40dzMTItDzaGKGMZf7hw72pj-Ky265W6L71SglXAniIrezfaZx5I44vcPZlx/s400/Fill+er+Up+Cover.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We have done it again. The book, documentary, blog, and now the museum exhibit. Join Mark and I at the <a href="http://wisconsinhistory.org/museum/">Wisconsin Historical Museum </a>on Wednesday evening March 4th at 6:30pm as we open a new exhibit based on the book. The exhibit will feature wonderful full color prints of Mark Fay's gas station photos, exhibit panels celebrating some of our favorite stations, and an entertaining behind the scenes presentation telling some of our favorite stories. </div><br /><p> </p><p>Support of the book has been great, we appreciate the help and kind words of all of our fellow gas station buffs.</p>Jim Draegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882445255730020971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460943620987864470.post-54884479274044786392009-01-01T14:30:00.000-08:002009-01-01T14:51:32.299-08:00Happy Holidays!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KRDlwTiScmQ_s80JjenvfC68R8tl05jE_FOEj9md7lalfpmKTwn2LQTPghF7gZhQ9Kg7dphxgWQlPAIC2djghzCF72z72rFYCjL7Sb1-oM1Ei-mByx5_NMrjBTd_8cg3JoqD2aZt6hJL/s1600-h/jantz2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286459194225354690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KRDlwTiScmQ_s80JjenvfC68R8tl05jE_FOEj9md7lalfpmKTwn2LQTPghF7gZhQ9Kg7dphxgWQlPAIC2djghzCF72z72rFYCjL7Sb1-oM1Ei-mByx5_NMrjBTd_8cg3JoqD2aZt6hJL/s400/jantz2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>It's always hard to believe how fast the holidays come and go. It seems like just yesterday we were encouraging friends and family to suprise loved ones with a copy of <em>Fill'er Up </em>under the tree (or Festivus pole). Now, it's time to take down the lights and put away the festive decorations. </div><div><br /> </div><div>Several happy readers have been in touch since tearing the wrapping paper off of their copy of the book. It was kind of them to spread their holiday cheer. We hope you'll share your thoughts too. Did your uncle enjoy the book? Would he have preferred a tie instead? Tell us what you think. </div><div> </div><div></div><br /><div>We wish you a wonderful year in 2009.</div>Mark Speltzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15179710007416913880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460943620987864470.post-86168310896243464622008-12-11T18:32:00.000-08:002008-12-11T19:05:51.346-08:00Where Have You Been?<div><br /><div>You're probably wondering where Jim and I have been all this time... Well, we're sort of wondering the same thing. It's embarrassing so much time has passed, but so it goes. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278732979706320738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidl5sEBLnPzMQY29SSKnGJ2MYACtr4wpDAyS3pyj5ky15pcFo40nF6Ah9PPldhOGKp_tUsGrKYBOMRVxaBjdvLAHsHZmfQuX0gvVCPEGzgpTdAR0a-l5q3-YccMrOhoj7nXrneDVCfdXuZ/s400/Parman's+book+signing.2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><div>The Wisconsin Book Festival was a great experience. Keith and Clayton <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Parman</span> kindly allowed us to host a book launch party in their service bays. Well, one thing led to another and we suddenly had both service doors up and over 100 people hearing about the lessons we learned from the lowly gas station. The <a href="http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/whspress/">Wisconsin Historical <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Society</span> Press</a> pulled out all of the stops on the party and we had a great time. </div><div></div><br /><div>Since then, we have been busy promoting the book and hearing more wonderful stories. If you missed all of these <a href="http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/whspress/books/book.asp?book_id=321&books_extra_id=549&book_title=Fill+%27er+Up%3A+The+Glory+Days+of+Wisconsin+Gas+Stations&book_title_short=Fill+%27er+Up">events</a>, don't fret. A few wise media outlets have made their interviews available online for your listening pleasure. Enjoy...</div><div></div><br /><div>Larry <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Meiller</span> Show, Wisconsin Public Radio</div><div><a href="http://www.wpr.org/ideas/programnotes.cfm">http://www.wpr.org/ideas/programnotes.cfm</a></div><div>Click on the link...SELECT DATE...9.29.08...11:00 am...click on LISTEN</div><br /><div>Lake Effect, Milwaukee Public Radio</div><div><a href="http://www.wuwm.com/programs/lake_effect/view_le.php?articleid=577">http://www.wuwm.com/programs/lake_effect/view_le.php?articleid=577</a></div><div>11.5.08</div><br /><div></div>By the way, we made it easier to comment. So, if you have been holding back, let us know what you have been thinking.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Mark Speltzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15179710007416913880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460943620987864470.post-17489778381072430242008-10-15T18:01:00.000-07:002008-10-15T18:10:54.240-07:00Having a gas of a time at the Wisconsin Book Festival<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0m3x6HO6cGrcHt2nA5-rZgBhQT9IWEqHRA6lqf78a0bK8ooKfqo1kjjUBbTwMmHwpWQiq7PPtl9Ry0TgG7nvpvMOUSfcaLcfWBn8d9bCddIoYKxuORvvjwZlJFFFnZ_LcJ4lfQPK99bYx/s1600-h/Fill"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257551736202822706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0m3x6HO6cGrcHt2nA5-rZgBhQT9IWEqHRA6lqf78a0bK8ooKfqo1kjjUBbTwMmHwpWQiq7PPtl9Ry0TgG7nvpvMOUSfcaLcfWBn8d9bCddIoYKxuORvvjwZlJFFFnZ_LcJ4lfQPK99bYx/s400/Fill'er+up+small+cover.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>If you live near Madison and like books, then you probably know that the <a href="http://wisconsinbookfestival.org/index.php">Wisconsin Book Festival</a> is going on right now. If you live near Madison, like books, and gas stations too? Well then, you’re really in luck! </div><div><br />The good folks at the Wisconsin Historical Society Press are hosting a fabulous book launch party at Parman’s Service Station on Saturday, October 18, 2008. The event starts at 10:00 am. Parman’s is located at 3502 Monroe Street in Madison. For more info, click <a href="http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/whspress/books/book.asp?book_id=321&books_extra_id=549&book_title=Fill+%27er+Up%3A+The+Glory+Days+of+Wisconsin+Gas+Stations&book_title_short=Fill+%27er+Up">here</a>.</div><br /><div>We’ll be set up in the service bays ready to share some stories and more importantly, coffee and donuts. If you are not familiar with the scene at Parman’s, you’ll enjoy this short clip from the companion Wisconsin Public Television documentary, <a href="http://www.wisconsinstories.org/fillerup/video.cfm">Fill ‘er Up: The Glory Days of Wisconsin Gas Stations</a>. Click on the seventh segment.</div><div><br />If you’re busy Saturday, you can find us Sunday at the Wisconsin Historical Museum at 30 N. Carroll Street at 4:00 pm. For more information, click <a href="http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/whspress/books/book.asp?book_id=321&books_extra_id=549&book_title=Fill+%27er+Up%3A+The+Glory+Days+of+Wisconsin+Gas+Stations&book_title_short=Fill+%27er+Up">here</a>. </div><div><br />We’ll hope to see you this weekend. </div>Mark Speltzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15179710007416913880noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460943620987864470.post-73098263791372837142008-10-15T17:51:00.000-07:002008-10-15T17:59:33.831-07:00Keep 'em coming<div>Bill Droster recently commented on the blog that he was delighted to see a couple of his family’s photographs in the <a href="http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/whspress/books/book.asp?book_id=321">book</a>. Bill copied some images for the Wisconsin Historical Society a few years back and we’re sure glad that he did. Bill emailed a few photographs to me and one in particular jumped out as I thought about Jim’s most recent post. </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257549036922209538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4v-FzEnEOi5mms6j3_ktPFItCMUMbRreFlvgMUmBSVeR8bv1-dY-opRlHdXSTXTVRd4U-qyMTrutJ0k61BV15iWJA4adJiHHvgZ7AIddVaqhw4WZj_HksupOJAD7re7WpP7EU1r3yqO9F/s400/Droster+Store+1940+Red+Whitneys+running+the+filling+station.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>I don’t know why the four kids are lined up, but I am sure they were having a good time. I particularly like the sharp-dressed lad with the Texaco attendant’s hat on. It’s easy to see in a photograph like this why so many people have fond memories about hanging out at old stations. </div><br /><div>Let us know your stories and keep the photos coming.</div>Mark Speltzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15179710007416913880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460943620987864470.post-43427470441451597682008-10-08T16:25:00.001-07:002008-10-08T16:45:18.260-07:00Share your stories<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiH-MMJUYJVGLlofXZivvFnCHL97e6g0rC3MPMdu82acEL2dlP34wDlH2mVGsVILYDrL62et3SP6jnb6taFaPaXcWuY-yGbU2-bIPfdDmfM__Bi1tdZVrSqZBVDzLBlNWH_uYtIzNlQHKR/s1600-h/0805000049-l.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254932470938095346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiH-MMJUYJVGLlofXZivvFnCHL97e6g0rC3MPMdu82acEL2dlP34wDlH2mVGsVILYDrL62et3SP6jnb6taFaPaXcWuY-yGbU2-bIPfdDmfM__Bi1tdZVrSqZBVDzLBlNWH_uYtIzNlQHKR/s400/0805000049-l.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Last week I had a book event at the Brown County Public Library in Green Bay. My favorite part of these events is the willingness of people to share their own stories. One of the attendees was a man in a NAPA auto parts shirt who regaled me with stories while I was autographing books. He started working in his dad's gas station at age five. It was a full-service station and he washed windows while his dad pumped gas. Since he was too short to reach the windshield, his dad rigged up a stand with an upside down five gallon pail set in a rubber tire. He would pull the pail over to a car, hop on top and squeege the windshield. Even so, he could never reach the top center of the windshield, so a little inverted dirty triangle left behind became his signature. His gleeful description of this odd contraption left me with a smile that stayed with me all the way back to Madison.</div>Jim Draegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882445255730020971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460943620987864470.post-20370632786147979452008-10-02T17:06:00.000-07:002008-10-02T17:15:12.007-07:00Keep in touchJim and I have officially begun promoting the new book and a whole series of events are taking place between now and the end of the year. You can view an updated list <a href="http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/whspress/books/book.asp?book_id=321&books_extra_id=549&book_title=Fill+%27er+Up%3A+The+Glory+Days+of+Wisconsin+Gas+Stations%2C+coming+fall+2008&book_title_short=Fill+%27er+Up">here</a> at the Wisconsin Historical Society Press Fill 'er Up webpage. <br /><br />During a recent promotion, we mentioned that individuals could reach us on the blog...and you certainly can. Sign up and post if you'd like! But you can also reach us by email at [jim.draeger@wisconsinhistory.org] or [mark.speltz@americangirl.com].<br /><br />We'll look forward to hearing from you.Mark Speltzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15179710007416913880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460943620987864470.post-54864648578519228622008-10-01T15:17:00.000-07:002008-10-01T15:21:02.239-07:00Write it down<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwT-PaS7nSRnRVr64LDOev8-oxeObomejOE2qN7xSxSR5EwQbmFyTX67ianH_lFcRjq0SLUH439C3QwIW5z-QfQ2Sj7cR9dCQwAnmmIjcidjmJI5K9nS3pw5QWdU5wmdRNozJu8A_0nw6/s1600-h/Yellowstone.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252313970910430690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwT-PaS7nSRnRVr64LDOev8-oxeObomejOE2qN7xSxSR5EwQbmFyTX67ianH_lFcRjq0SLUH439C3QwIW5z-QfQ2Sj7cR9dCQwAnmmIjcidjmJI5K9nS3pw5QWdU5wmdRNozJu8A_0nw6/s400/Yellowstone.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>One of the challenges of writing a book about historic gas stations, or about any type of historic structure for that matter, is finding the personal stories. Making connections with the owners, operators, and individuals who worked in the 59 stations spread throughout the state was one of the most rewarding parts of the project. Families graciously shared their snapshots and engaging stories with us for <em><a href="http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/whspress/books/book.asp?book_id=321">Fill ‘er Up: The Glory Days of Wisconsin Gas Stations</a></em>.</div><br /><div><br />Mark Mowbray, a former employee of the Yellowstone Garage in Fond du Lac, was kind enough to recently share a history he compiled. The 20-plus page history details the history of the station which was built about 1920 along the <a href="http://www.yellowstonetrail.org/">Yellowstone Trail</a>. Mark’s father, Jim Mowbray, operated the garage from 1949 to 1966 and Mark’s interest grew out of his “employment” there.</div><br /><div><br /><em>The History of the Yellowstone Garage</em> documents the names of those who owned and operated the garage over the years, notes how roads changed in the area, and includes several historic photographs. Mark also included fun anecdotal memories about tow truck calls for cows and drunks alike. All of the information included in the short history represent an important effort to document pieces of personal, architectural, and local history. Clearly, the Yellowstone Garage was an important part of their lives. </div><br /><div><br />Thank you Mark for documenting this part of your family’s history and slice of life. I hope that others follow your lead and choose to write it down.</div>Mark Speltzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15179710007416913880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460943620987864470.post-17015827993480346862008-09-27T18:37:00.000-07:002008-09-27T19:12:20.328-07:00A Ripon Monument<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwj7rBszXxSPNHFcrP9KSDZG8Nzh5uogH5m5SXndk46YdumR0rpS929OFi8jmxjRQY7Zpx1wGg-kFvU_4mLDA4MQNolt1Ukr1h4kdxiGJQTQfqbppMaXmXJu_14_Tt0CLjgyAot15xJ1hG/s1600-h/DSC_7390.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250886868519390658" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwj7rBszXxSPNHFcrP9KSDZG8Nzh5uogH5m5SXndk46YdumR0rpS929OFi8jmxjRQY7Zpx1wGg-kFvU_4mLDA4MQNolt1Ukr1h4kdxiGJQTQfqbppMaXmXJu_14_Tt0CLjgyAot15xJ1hG/s400/DSC_7390.JPG" border="0" /></a> On Monday I drove through Ripon, Wisconsin on a work trip and passed this little house type station. Closed long ago, the station has found a life as a sometimes office for a monument company. I shot this ironic photo, with the little station sitting amongst the cemetery markers wating their final inscription, like just another grave marker, where a little entrepreurial dream came to rest. You could see it as a sad little reminder of the sweeping changes that pushed thousands of these little stations to the side in the 1970s and 80s, or you could see it a tough little survivor, bucking the odds and surviving as so very few others have, to continue into the 21st century. I prefer to see it as the latter, a Ripon monument to the lives of the hardworking people who toiled in this little building for decades.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qfcKgWzoSUea1iZfTGFRoX6Rzoq4V8yd2Fb_YHLhMyhBrwejWWGbB0041PVudbhnex2oV7Mf4IIGKzf_-T-nb2jJcixs2pTHR885CGS_LSiNrBq-3hfLMxauKfCgr85z_eSxvvZu_-94/s1600-h/DSC_7387.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250887730241877170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qfcKgWzoSUea1iZfTGFRoX6Rzoq4V8yd2Fb_YHLhMyhBrwejWWGbB0041PVudbhnex2oV7Mf4IIGKzf_-T-nb2jJcixs2pTHR885CGS_LSiNrBq-3hfLMxauKfCgr85z_eSxvvZu_-94/s400/DSC_7387.JPG" border="0" /></a>My hunch is that this station was built by the Biegick Brothers, who we feature in our book, Fill 'er Up: The Glory Days of Wisconsin Gas Stations. If you know something about this station, drop us a line, we would love<br />to hear from you.Jim Draegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882445255730020971noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460943620987864470.post-56064653381286865372008-09-17T18:46:00.000-07:002008-09-17T19:10:25.449-07:00Picture perfect<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPG8jYzf-XTvojHUw07thaOOvI1mCamDxMiqwmIMtHGdl-vCSFQx7rXh6-GvtIyqKbyOqC3aSmb4GUEW-1wtnWUhLim4y4p_YZZOa6_tbOWhEvVb39obWOe0oUo2SWDBT_qsqCxXNQ8yS/s1600-h/Fill"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247173571356561602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPG8jYzf-XTvojHUw07thaOOvI1mCamDxMiqwmIMtHGdl-vCSFQx7rXh6-GvtIyqKbyOqC3aSmb4GUEW-1wtnWUhLim4y4p_YZZOa6_tbOWhEvVb39obWOe0oUo2SWDBT_qsqCxXNQ8yS/s400/Fill'er+up+small+cover.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>Photographing almost sixty gas stations spread throughout the state of Wisconsin is no small task. Just finding them all can be challenging. Thankfully, this task was entrusted to a skilled photographer, Mark Fay. </div><div><br />Mark logged over 5,000 miles capturing each of the stations in their present condition. His beautiful color photographs are a wonderful addition to <em>Fill ‘er Up: The Glory Days of Wisconsin Gas Stations</em>. Jim and I are grateful for his contribution. </div><div><br />An exhibit of Mark’s work, including some of the gas station images, is currently on display at the Eau Claire public library. <a href="http://www.ecpubliclibrary.info/images/media/prps/flyer_for_website.pdf"><em>An Exhibit of Photography</em> </a>is on display through October 14, 2008. </div><div><br />And speaking of Eau Claire, we'll be doing a book event there October 9, 2008. We’re hoping to post a list soon of all of the book events taking place. In the meantime, you can view a list of some of our <a href="http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/whspress/books/book.asp?book_id=321&books_extra_id=549&book_title=Fill+%27er+Up%3A+The+Glory+Days+of+Wisconsin+Gas+Stations%2C+coming+fall+2008&book_title_short=Fill+%27er+Up">upcoming events </a>at the Wisconsin Historical Society Press website. </div><div><br />We’ll look forward to sharing the book and meeting you at an event this fall. </div>Mark Speltzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15179710007416913880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460943620987864470.post-83430749030747026472008-09-16T12:04:00.000-07:002008-09-16T15:02:07.279-07:00Its been a long time coming<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcAF_kL4KyRj0eTDPGhKJA4YbiIZYV1rx7OFc_CpmC1qXOW8AOLQkjxDaCJe1Bl0bWR2QAM_zdINSKKNa_rr09vayPSm84PY-jODZyLn80SVoHsPCrqk5ZJ4w4IN4GLeaySX6AnmL0Rsp/s1600-h/phillips+station+1952+fpo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246742124629244658" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcAF_kL4KyRj0eTDPGhKJA4YbiIZYV1rx7OFc_CpmC1qXOW8AOLQkjxDaCJe1Bl0bWR2QAM_zdINSKKNa_rr09vayPSm84PY-jODZyLn80SVoHsPCrqk5ZJ4w4IN4GLeaySX6AnmL0Rsp/s400/phillips+station+1952+fpo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Bobby Tanzilo of OnMilwaukee.com published an interview with Mark and I about our forthcoming gas station book which I thought was interesting enough to <a href="http://onmilwaukee.com/visitors/articles/fillerup.html?16277">share</a>. A particularly interesting question Bobby posed was "Is there any movement to preserve this part of American history?"<br /><br />It is our hope that this book will help to celebrate the gas station's colorful and interesting history and to show readers that these stations are not only important pieces of Americana, but are useful structures that are adaptive and flexible in meeting modern needs.<br /><br />Unlike the train stations of the 19th century, which found their place along the extremities of communities, gas stations were constructed near the vehicular heart and veins, making the locations excellent choices for adaptive reuse. Depots have survived as local chamber office, museums, and occasionally small offices, but gas stations hold more potential. We see a day coming where the lowly historic gas station will become something of wonder and interest. Appreciation is awakening and Mark and I are doing our small part in opening the eyes of people to the fascinating history of the ordinary buildings around them.Jim Draegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882445255730020971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460943620987864470.post-20207326494538042102008-09-13T18:30:00.000-07:002008-09-14T07:54:51.115-07:00Hold the Presses!I opened my mail Monday and was surprised to see two photographs and a handwritten note. It was sent by an owner of a gas station that is featured in our forthcoming book, <em>Fill ‘er Up: The Glory Days of Wisconsin Gas Stations</em>. Perhaps you have seen the small station in the companion documentary Wisconsin Public Television produced. If not, you can watch it online <a href="http://www.wisconsinstories.org/fillerup/">here</a>.<br /><br />The photographs I received in the mail, shown below, were not labeled. The note said a man in his eighties dropped them off recently at the little Platteville station. The images show his aunt and uncle who worked at the station in the 1930s. They likely spent many hours pumping gas and keeping customers happy.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79Fgm8q0xECcN1-mkuyAmYmZYq5HAC-qYeYEk76BF8FqlWv0ylSTEp1pS5jENc4TE8ieGbpDPC72tksygTxGoOd6PHFjVL4ln8rS5WAno_JQO5klqxjrvrudhwMBz7iPvzixsQVGjeICK/s1600-h/Platteville.employye.2.jpeg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245692008357324802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 375px" height="381" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79Fgm8q0xECcN1-mkuyAmYmZYq5HAC-qYeYEk76BF8FqlWv0ylSTEp1pS5jENc4TE8ieGbpDPC72tksygTxGoOd6PHFjVL4ln8rS5WAno_JQO5klqxjrvrudhwMBz7iPvzixsQVGjeICK/s400/Platteville.employye.2.jpeg" width="213" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The note didn’t say who the two were though. It didn’t say if they owned the station or just worked there. No matter what they did, it's likely the little station was a big part of their lives.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wr5BxOJtY1gSDDqwYYm_Vx34hGK-ccbR8-Yb_YHQpOZ6WqAF8wFI9JtSL-QhrFHX3FcF_axiWISj6EB5FXLtE-megnzBF1VVMOzGZ97XfLT2zMiozi3OoV0JFkn-1nuC_8RZsUwxfPRO/s1600-h/Platteville.employee.jpeg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245691579847756754" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wr5BxOJtY1gSDDqwYYm_Vx34hGK-ccbR8-Yb_YHQpOZ6WqAF8wFI9JtSL-QhrFHX3FcF_axiWISj6EB5FXLtE-megnzBF1VVMOzGZ97XfLT2zMiozi3OoV0JFkn-1nuC_8RZsUwxfPRO/s400/Platteville.employee.jpeg" border="0" /></a><br />For the past two years we were unable to uncover a historic photograph of the station or anyone who worked there. It was pretty funny the photographs arrived just as the book is due in stores, but I am still glad Tom Nodorft of B&B Service chose to send them to us.<br /><br />I shouldn’t have been surprised at this nice gesture. I am sure it will happen again and again. Jim and I know photographs and stories (and maybe, corrections) will come in after the book is officially published by the <a href="http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/whspress/books/book.asp?book_id=321">Wisconsin Historical Society Press</a>.<br /><br />Although it’s too late to stop the presses, we want to hear from you. Don’t hesitate to drop us a line and let us know about a station you just saw, photographs you have, or your connection to a Wisconsin station.Mark Speltzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15179710007416913880noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460943620987864470.post-52375130155200850772008-09-04T10:25:00.000-07:002008-09-04T10:56:40.932-07:00Jake and Irene having a gas!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDyPdna945GWGT7hV9faD33-dpBu-P60TpBX9XFHjlzHe1DWusiou845Y0qeM6PqpITVrJlMXkVnUbpFotW1HZbQMhIOisT_AjckPIO35_p6JE49RRzG9YMbQGOKxihjCkdGRdPv9sXaw/s1600-h/Image+ID+57126.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDyPdna945GWGT7hV9faD33-dpBu-P60TpBX9XFHjlzHe1DWusiou845Y0qeM6PqpITVrJlMXkVnUbpFotW1HZbQMhIOisT_AjckPIO35_p6JE49RRzG9YMbQGOKxihjCkdGRdPv9sXaw/s400/Image+ID+57126.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242219118797981938" /></a><br /><br />Finding this photo was one of those strange accidental discoveries that anyone who has ever done research can relate to. This 1957 photo depicts the Wisconsin History Mobile, a traveling history exhibit once operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society. The building in the background is the Clark Oil Station at South Park in Madison, which we document in our book. Finding this station's photo in the historical society's public relations collection just points out that you never know where you will find those goodies that stir the blood of the researcher. <br /><br />I love the contrast between the nebbish historical society workers and the Clark Oil attendants in their jump suits. If you want to know more about this picture, click <a href="http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/whi/fullRecord.asp?id=57126">here</a>.Jim Draegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882445255730020971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460943620987864470.post-60627223867336504962008-09-03T09:11:00.000-07:002008-09-03T09:23:42.590-07:00Greasing the skids<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKbUyABZmpwI8WFB4Jgf7b0-s_dooZly-nxBX1mkQKwx33lJ3Cpq5VqgGjnCD0rElg5lePHBowevPQVAfMY_ztFhWimy3_pA1rsRpMJFw8G-CqBfm4rJOe-a2Z0-06E4hkK1yd8pEnShp/s1600-h/Image+ID+57126.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKbUyABZmpwI8WFB4Jgf7b0-s_dooZly-nxBX1mkQKwx33lJ3Cpq5VqgGjnCD0rElg5lePHBowevPQVAfMY_ztFhWimy3_pA1rsRpMJFw8G-CqBfm4rJOe-a2Z0-06E4hkK1yd8pEnShp/s400/Image+ID+57126.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241831342567769794" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We are authors of a new book on Wisconsin featuring a guided tour of 59 of Wisconsin's vintage gas stations—from cottages to pagodas. We offer a spirited and nostalgic look at these historically significant examples of roadside architecture. Since their unremarkable beginnings as cheap shacks and curbside pumps, gas stations have taken many forms, worn many guises, and have been designed by some of Wisconsin’s most distinguished architects.<br /><br />Our intent in creating this blog is to share the wealth of historic photos, classic advertisements, newspaper clippings, patent drawings and other gas station paraphernalia, that came our way over the course of preparing our book, Fill ‘Er Up: The Glory Days of Wisconsin Gas Stations. Top off your tank, and get ready for a sweet ride.</span>Jim Draegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882445255730020971noreply@blogger.com0