Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
CURB-SIDE GAS PUMPS
CURB-SIDE GAS PUMPS. Gas pumps were first used around 1905 and were located along curbs in front of local business, such as grocery stores and hardware stores. The pumps were about four feet tall and were supplied with a hand crank and a spout for dispensing gasoline. (1)
Between 1905 and 1910, these simple curbside pumps were improved, with hoses for directly pumping gasoline into the automobile and meters for measuring the amount of fuel. The first curb pumps did not carry company logos or stylish cabinets which were eventually introduced around 1912. (2)
The pump on the far left is a very early design and was probably used in private garages or on farms. The pump in the center has a small meter for measuring the gas, a hand crank, and a simple spout for dispensing the fuel. The pump on the far right shows improvements including a hose for dispensing fuel directly to the automobile. (3)
In 1927 the city council, following the policy of the previous council, was no longer willing to allow curb-side gas pumps in Dubuque. On May 17, 1927 the petitions of Theis & Diederman to install a pump on Kniest Street and the DUBUQUE AUTO EXCHANGE COMPANY to install a pump in front of their building at Third and Iowa were rejected. The city manager had originally suggested allowing the Kniest Street site because of its lack of traffic. (4)
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Source:
1. "Curb," Landscape Change Program, University of Vermont, Online: http://www.uvm.edu/landscape/menu.php
2. Ibid.
3. Ibid.
4. "Curb Gas Pump Petitions Denied," Telegraph-Herald and Times-Journal," May 17, 1927, p. 8