How cute is this gas station with a miniature Goodyear blimp over their pumps?! It stood at the corner of S. La Brea Ave and W. 2nd St, which puts it not far from the La Brea Tar Pits. From the words “Vulcanizing” and “Tire Service” in the background, I’m guessing this gas station also did a roaring trade in tires, which explains the mini Goodyear blimp. This photo is from 1931, so those two Angelenos were lucky to have job in the depth of the Depression.
Here’s another view. What a beautiful building it was!
SF_Historian on Twitter said: “Many people believe that the Depression began instantly after the stock market crash of 1929, but that is far from the truth. It took several years for the depths to set in. Most towns in California entered 1931 with optimism. It was not until 1932 that the bottom fell out.”
Dan R said: “Vulcanizing is the process of using heat. It is how they would patch a tube. You can read Shell on the pump. Also advertising Exide brand batteries.”
Bob G. on Twitter said: “Likely a model of the Goodyear Type AD 1925–1931 which was semi rigid, meaning it had supporting trusses inside rather and just an airbag. They were replaced by a more conventional model – PS most Goodyear blimps were made for the Navy.”
The southwest corner now has a Valvoline oil change location, so I assume that’s where the gas station used to be. This image is from May 2022.
Look at all of the detail on the first building vs the 2nd building. Why they never use the original buildings is beyond me. Why can’t anyone use photo’s of the details on the original buildings to replicate them when building a new structure? No attention to details in this generic world we are now living in. What a shame.
I remember watching an old silent movie a few years ago, where the hero had a simple gas station. Then, a super fancy one opened across the street. The fancy one looked a lot like this one. It would have had to have been around at least several years by then if it was the same one. Only talkies in 1931 (other than Chaplin?).
I suspect so. Even Garbo, who was late to the talkies, had her first talkie come out in 1930.
On the right sign below the Brake Station one, it reads “Blimp Gasoline”. It seems this location might actually be close to where the blimp landing field had been in that era. There’s a map which portrayed that spot on the west side of the city. And that might be the area where Volunteer had been seen in another posting you did a few months back.
Those were the days when you actually got some service at a Service Station. Those guys are hustling to check the oil and radiator, and cleaning the windshield while pumping the gas.
I’ve never experienced service like that. It sounds most luxurious.
The Blimp Landing Field was between Fairfax and S. La Brea below 3rd Street which should be very near here. The whole setup here is like a faux control tower.