Stop 12
12A- Tokheim 850 Clock Face Vintage Gas Pump
12B- Gulf Service Station Trash Bin & Rag Disposal Bin
12A – Tokheim 850 Clock Face Vintage Gas Pump
This clock-faced gas pump is a striking example of 1930s service station equipment. The pump is painted in Gulf’s signature orange hue and the top features a light up globe with the iconic orange Gulf disc logo. The clock-style gauge, a significant advancement, precisely measured gasoline dispensed in gallons, replacing the less accurate visible pumps that relied on glass cylinders for measurement. Additionally, the Tokheim 850 introduced an electric pump housed in its base, enabling gasoline to be stored safely underground—a major safety enhancement over earlier above-ground storage systems, reducing fire hazards and revolutionizing fuel dispensing practices.
Fun Fact:
Math at Work: While the clock face dial accurately showed the number of gallons pumped, the attendant still needed to multiply the gallons by the current price to figure the customer’s bill.
The Tokheim 850, introduced in 1930, was a groundbreaking model that bridged the gap between manual and fully automated fuel dispensing. Unlike its predecessors, which relied on hand-cranked mechanisms or gravity-fed systems, the 850 featured an electric pump in its base, allowing gasoline to be stored underground in tanks—a safer and more efficient method that reduced fire risks associated with above-ground storage.
Fun Fact:
You Don’t Say: These pumps required an attendant to operate, so while filling up, drivers often caught up on local gossip, weather updates, or even the latest baseball scores, making the station a social hub much like a modern coffee shop.
The clock-face meter provided precise measurement of fuel dispensed, with dials showing gallons and fractions of gallons, a significant improvement over the less accurate visible pumps.
Fun Fact:
That’s Why They Call Them The Good Old Days: Drivers could stop by a Gulf station with a Tokheim 850 to fill up, often spending just a few cents per gallon—gas was around 20 cents a gallon.
The Tokheim 850 also allowed for customization, with options to position the fuel discharge and nozzle on the same or opposite sides, catering to the needs of different service stations. Its steel construction and durable design ensured longevity, and the light-up globe at the top—often made of glass or early plastic—made it a striking advertisement for brands like Gulf, especially at night.
12B -Gulf Service Station trash Bin & rag disposal bin
Left: This Gulf service station trash bin, standing about 3 feet tall, is a utilitarian piece from the 1950s, designed to keep service stations tidy while prominently displaying Gulf Oil’s branding. Constructed of steel, the bin is painted in Gulf’s signature color scheme, featuring the iconic orange disc logo with “GULF” in bold white letters at the top. These bins were placed near gas pumps or service bays, encouraging customers and attendants to dispose of litter, reflecting the era’s emphasis on cleanliness and customer service.
Fun Fact:
I Like Clean Butts and I Cannot Lie: These trash bins were often paired with other branded items, like ashtrays, to cater to the smoking habits of many 1950s drivers.
Right: This Gulf rag disposal bin, measuring approximately 2.5 feet tall, is a safety-focused accessory from the 1950s. It is designed for the safe disposal of oily rags at Gulf service stations. Made of steel with a fire-resistant design, the bin features a self-closing lid and is painted in Gulf’s colors with the Gulf disc logo. These bins were placed in service bays or near pumps to prevent fire hazards, as oily rags could spontaneously combust if not properly disposed of, a common concern in the era of hands-on vehicle maintenance.
Fun Fact:
Idea That Goes to Eleven: The self-closing lid on these bins was a safety feature that prevented oxygen from fueling spontaneous combustion.
These disposal bins highlight Gulf’s role in promoting safety and professionalism during the 1950s, a time when service stations were integral to the driving experience, offering full-service care that included oil changes and tire checks.
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