Getting some gas in 1922 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania


As I was browsing the Duke University Libraries site, which has a lot of cool old photos, this image caught my eye. Well, mostly the cars. And I thought that it would be fun if we did some time-traveling, and got some gas in 1922 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The exact location, as you can see, is 4225 N. Broad, and the date is April 26th, 1922. The "1946" presumably indicates the photographer's negative number, because this is definitely not the forties! Look at those cars!


My best guess is that the one in the front is some type of delivery vehicle. I really don't know if there was any type of law prohibiting parking backwards on the street in 1922, but I doubt it. Looks like the trees are very newly-planted, but seem just a bit too close to the edges to have enough room to grow. I imagine that they outgrew the space very quickly. I'm not sure what the little stepstool and lumber is all about, if you know, please tell me!


But let's take a look at that wonderful gas station! I like the slogan "There is more power in that good Gulf gasoline. I wonder if we can get some Betholine there? It's the wonder motor fuel! Fill up! It puts pep in your motor. There's a word you really don't hear much nowadays - pep, except in the word Pepsi. There's no logo, just the words "Gulf Refining Company". And it looks like the gas pumps are built into the side of the building. Cool!

I wonder what "Alco-Wash" was all about? It says that it was scientifically treated alcohol, a delightful tissue-tonic for sick room, massage, bath, etc. Prohibition was on, so alcohol couldn't be sold for recreational purposes, so this must be one of the "medicinal purposes" of alcohol. Looks like you could use it after shaving, too. It doesn't say if it would be good on the rocks? Probably not.


I do want to take a closer look at that building back there. I see that you can get some tires, and auto supplies. It also says "Paige Jewett", which must be the car in the showroom window. I'll have to go Google it. Presumably Carras-Sylvan Motors is the dealership's name.


And here's a 1922 Paige Jewett that I just found. Isn't the internet wonderful?


I wonder what the building with the dome was? Looks nice. I don't see any signage, so I guess that in 1922 Philadelphia people just had to know.

Well, we're all filled up and ready to get back on the road to do more history adventuring! Thank you for coming along with me!

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