Whiz down the road in your ChryslerImperial, your wallet full after making the sale! Run out of fuel because you forgot to gas up!
Oh no!
Avoid this calamity before heading out on your 1936 road trip by visiting your closest Standard Station and pick up a handy brochure called “Travel With Us.”
OK, this pamphlet didn’t list the location of every gas station available on the West Coast in the early 20th century, but it did share information about tourist attractions that you would want to see during your journey. The handsome young man on the cover, wearing his spiffy white hat, is reminder enough to fill the tank before starting out.
Standard Oil was part of the conglomerate established in 1870 by John D Rockefeller. The original company was broken up in 1911. Then Standard Stations became their own brand, primarily located in the western part of the country.
A region showcased in this travel guide. Each page is devoted to the best aspects of eight different states. Some features have changed in the 70+ years since this booklet was published, but we can enjoy many of these attractions today. Especially ones that highlight this country’s natural wonders.
First stop is this fantastic 1936 gas station. Here beautiful vintage cars are pampered by attendants wearing sharp, white uniforms.
Before heading out, be sure to stock up on necessary products offered by Standard Stations.
On to California and a stunning view of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate bridge. Follow the caption’s advice and plan to attend the Golden Gate International Exposition that WILL happen three years later, in 1939!
The famous California Redwood trees are beautiful, even in this black-and-white image.
Wondering what to see while visiting this gigantic state? No problem. There’s plenty to choose from.
One item that caught my eye was the Carnegie Observatory on Mount Wilson. I lived in Los Angeles for years and had never heard of it. I thought they might’ve been referring to the Griffith Observatory, but they were not. I learned something
We now drive north toward Oregon and the beautiful Multnomah Falls.
Washington State is perched in the Northwest corner of our country. It’s full of beauty everywhere you look. A famous natural landmark is Mount Rainier.
Since we are traveling through the 1930s, many married ladies liked to spend six weeks in Reno if they were eager to shed their husbands.
Las Vegas isn’t really mentioned here. This is before it became a popular gambling playground.
Don’t forget Arizona, complete with a mandatory stop at the Grand Canyon.
Discover New Mexico, where a fabulous sight can be found underground.
Here’s a handy mileage chart.
Finally, Standard Oil wants you to remember that, even though your trip is finished, you are welcome to come back again.
This road trip is an illuminating look at what the vintage west must’ve been like nearly 100 years ago. Such journeys are still possible with the right mindset, and of course, Glorious Vintage Stuff!
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