by Michael Satterfield – Updated – 08/15/2024

I am still don’t know what it is about old gas pumps, but I have always been drawn to these unique bits of both industrial and advertising history. While most are lost to time or sit in private collections, in the late 70s and 80s, many abandoned gas stations still had their petroliana intact. Thankfully, photographer John Margolies, most known for documenting America’s mimetic architecture, also loved to take pictures of old gas pumps. From 1977-1982, he crisscrossed the country on long road trips, taking his 35mm camera with him. His work documenting roadside attractions is credited with recognizing buildings that would be added to the National Register of Historic Places through his documentary work.

Golden Eagle gas pump (#2), San Diego, California