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Stop 1

1A- Texaco Porcelain Sign
1B- Bay Porcelain Sign
1C- Gulf Oil Ad Sign

1A – Texaco Porcelain Sign

This impressive Texaco porcelain sign, measuring 85″x53″ with designs on both sides, was typically mounted on station poles or attached to buildings, making it highly visible from the street. This hexagon design was introduced by Texaco in 1963, and this sign is a classic example of Texaco’s branding from that era.

Fun Fact:

Texaco sponsored a nationwide radio show called the Texaco Star Theatre, featuring big-name stars like comedian Fred Allen.

This period marked a shift in logo design where simplicity and bold colors became key to brand recognition in the competitive petroleum market. Over time, as branding evolved, metal signs like this one were often replaced in the 1960s and 1970s with more modern designs made from materials like plastic, sometimes incorporating backlighting for nighttime visibility. This particular sign represents a piece of Americana, capturing the essence of mid-20th-century road travel and the burgeoning car culture.

Fun Fact:

In 1928, Texaco became the first oil company to market in all 48 states.

1B – BAY Porcelain Sign

This distinctive Bay Gas Station sign, crafted from porcelain on steel, measures an impressive 82 inches tall by 72 inches wide and is double-sided for visibility from all angles. Dating approximately from the 1940s to 1950s, this sign would have been prominently displayed on or near gas stations, likely attached to the building or mounted on a pole by the street, serving as a beacon for motorists in search of fuel.

The sign’s design features a bold red and white color scheme with a shield shape, a common motif in that era to convey strength and reliability. The word “BAY” is displayed in large, black letters, making it easily recognizable from a distance. Over the years, as branding and advertising evolved, these signs were often replaced in the late 1950s and 1960s with more contemporary designs, typically made from materials like plastic or illuminated for night visibility.

 Despite the signs of wear that tell its story, this Bay sign remains a fascinating artifact of mid-century American automotive history, reflecting the era’s design aesthetics and the competitive landscape of the gas station industry.

Fun Fact:

The Bay Gasoline Company were also innovators in customer service within the petroleum industry. One of their unique services was offering “Bay Courtesy Boys,” young attendants dressed in distinctive uniforms, who provided exceptional service at their stations, including pumping gas, cleaning windshields, and checking oil.

1C – Gulf Oil Ad Sign

This is a vintage paperboard sign from Gulf Oil, advertising the availability of free 1940 Florida maps at their stations. The sign, with the slogan “Where to Go What to See,” was designed to attract travelers by offering them useful travel guides, enhancing the brand’s visibility and customer engagement during a time when road travel was becoming increasingly popular.

The artwork features a scene typical of the era, with individuals in period-appropriate attire, emphasizing the promotional aspect of providing maps to aid in exploration and travel planning in Florida. This promotional strategy was common among oil companies to encourage motorists to stop at their stations, combining practical utility with advertising.

This sign not only served as an advertisement but also as a piece of Americana, capturing the spirit of adventure and the burgeoning road trip culture of the time. Its well-preserved state allows us to appreciate the vibrant colors and detailed artwork, offering a glimpse into the marketing tactics and the aesthetic of promotional materials from 1940.

Fun Fact:

Gulf also delighted customers with other goodies, like branded keychains, road atlases, and even toy gas pumps for kids.
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