The Early Days of Fuelling Vehicles: From General Stores to Dedicated Gas Stations

Before the widespread establishment of gas stations in the early 20th century, owners of early motor vehicles primarily obtained fuel from a few different sources. This article explores how motorists sourced their fuel in the early days of automotive technology, from general stores to local oil producers, and how the first gas station was established.

Methods of Fuel Sourcing for Early Motorists

General Stores: Many rural general stores played a crucial role in fueling vehicles with gasoline sold in small quantities. Store owners often kept barrels of fuel for customers, making it a convenient stop for motorists.

Railroad Depots: Railroad depots were significant transporters of fuel and hence sold gasoline. This meant that motorists could refuel conveniently at these locations.

Refineries: Some early motorists purchased fuel directly from oil refineries, which offered larger quantities of gasoline.

Home Storage: Vehicle owners who could afford it bought gasoline in bulk and stored it in their garages or homes using containers or drums. This method was popular but less convenient for long trips.

Local Oil Producers: In regions where oil was produced, local oil companies might sell gasoline directly to consumers, providing an additional source of fuel.

These methods, while effective, were often inconvenient compared to modern gas stations. As automobile ownership became more widespread, the need for dedicated fueling stations grew. The first gas station is generally credited to have opened in 1907 in St. Louis, Missouri, helping to standardize fuel distribution for vehicles.

Early Trips and Fuel Challenges

Many car owners on farms or in rural areas had their own gasoline storage tanks. For instance, my grandfather had one that hadn't been used since the late 1930s. He likely received gasoline deliveries the same way people get home heating oil through tank trucks.

Bertha Benz and the First Automobile Trip

This is Bertha Benz, wife of automotive pioneer Carl Benz, with her sons Richard and Eugen in a staged and later colorized photograph commemorating the first automobile trip ever in 1888. Bertha had invested her dowry in her husband's innovative business but was frustrated by his meek compliance with local regulations.

Instead of waiting for her husband's permission, she and her sons stole his Patent-Motorwagen 3 from the yard, pushed it down the road so that the engine noise would not be audible, and drove it 106 kilometers (66 miles) to visit her parents. It was a bold and historic journey, but there were no gas stations in those days.

To fuel the vehicle, they had to buy supplies of ligroin, a petroleum fraction only available from apothecaries, which are now known as benzene. A modern container of ligroin shows how these early gasoline storage solutions looked, without the machine-printed label.

The Motorwagen had a fuel capacity of only 4.5 liters (about a gallon), meaning they had to refuel often. The city pharmacy in Wiesloch became the first fuel station in the world.

Bertha's contributions extended beyond her dowry and a publicity stunt. When the wooden brake pads wore down, she commissioned a local cobbler to cover them with leather, making the world’s first brake linings. She also used her hat-pin to clear a blocked fuel line and her garter for insulation. She made extensive notes about the trip, recommending a low gear suitable for climbing hills.

The Evolution of Automated Fuelling

The early methods of sourcing and storing fuel were challenging and impractical, leading to the development of dedicated gas stations. The first gas station in 1907 in St. Louis, Missouri, marked the beginning of a more organized and convenient way to fuel vehicles. Today, gas stations are a critical part of the automotive ecosystem, providing standardized and reliable fuel options.

Conclusion

The journey from general stores to dedicated gas stations is a fascinating tale of innovation and necessity. From Bertha Benz's historic trip in the 1880s to the establishment of the first gas station, the process of fueling vehicles has evolved significantly. Today's modern gas stations offer a range of conveniences and services that greatly enhance the driving experience.

References:

Benz, C. (1886). Patent for the Motorwagen. Patent Office, Germany. Library of Congress. (2022). First Gas Station in the United States. Retrieved from [URL]