Where Have You Been?

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.

The Wisconsin Book Festival was a great experience. Keith and Clayton Parman 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 Wisconsin Historical Society Press pulled out all of the stops on the party and we had a great time.

Since then, we have been busy promoting the book and hearing more wonderful stories. If you missed all of these events, don't fret. A few wise media outlets have made their interviews available online for your listening pleasure. Enjoy...

Larry Meiller Show, Wisconsin Public Radio

http://www.wpr.org/ideas/programnotes.cfm

Click on the link...SELECT DATE...9.29.08...11:00 am...click on LISTEN

Lake Effect, Milwaukee Public Radio

http://www.wuwm.com/programs/lake_effect/view_le.php?articleid=577

11.5.08

By the way, we made it easier to comment. So, if you have been holding back, let us know what you have been thinking.

Its been a long time coming

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 share. A particularly interesting question Bobby posed was "Is there any movement to preserve this part of American history?"

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.

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.