A Tru-Penn, Gasoline Station – A Merchandising Mystery to Solve

[t-head]

While we might think of the combination gas station/convenience stores that are on almost every street corner these days as fairly recent developments, this photo proves that’s not necessarily the case. The image came with no information about it’s date or location. The general appearance of the place and the clothing styles make it look like it’s from the 1930′s.

The signage also gave us some clues. Turret Cigarettes were produced by Ogden’s of Liverpool, a division of Imperial Tobacco, Canada. O’keefe’s Ginger Beer was also a Canadian product, as was Neilson’s Jersey Milk Chocolate. But Tru-Penn was a trademark of American Lubricants located at 1575 Clinton Street in Buffalo, N.Y. So where do you think this neat little station was, in the U.S. or Canada? And when was it open for business?

This photo is courtesy of The Henry Ford, help them and us solve this mystery on The Old Motor.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Cover your building with enough signs, and you'll never have to paint it. LOL

[zzlegend]

Two of my favorites. Chiclets and Orange Crush.

[Patrick L.]

Craven A cigarettes are Canadian also. I can't make out any of the other things/signs.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Cover your building with enough signs, and you'll never have to paint it. LOL

Tom, I remember a small ooold station that the whole front was completely covered with a "MOSAIC" of pop bottle lids, nailed on, & some designs were created by selecting just the right colors of tops!!
The front wall of another station was covered with dried CATFISH heads, nailed on, to "BRAG" about your latest "MONSTER" catch in Red River! I could stick my whole head in some of the mouths! Bill W.

[Skrain]

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I love the fact that they are boasting of 3 flavors of Chiclets!
And how long has it been since you have seen a gas station attendant with a coin changer on his belt?
Come to think of it...how long has it been since you've seen a gas station attendant PERIOD??

[Dad's Dream]

Though partially obscured, I believe the sign to the left of the attendant is "VEEDOL" which I think was an American oil/lubricant brand.

[Randy in Illinois]

What! no S&H Green stamps?

[therupperts]

Neilson's Jersey Milk chocolate and the O'keef's ginger beer are also products of Canada.

[CarlG]

I use to have one of those coin changers that I used on my paper route.