Timeline: Gas Stations
1885 Sylvanus Bowser invents a kerosene pump to replace buckets and ladles. It becomes known as a "filling station" for lamp and stove fuel.
1913 In Pittsburgh, Pa., Gulf Refining opens the first drive-in gas station.
1933 Wayne Oil Tank & Pump Company rolls out computerized gas pumps, which calculate cost as well as volume.
1940 Automatic nozzles make self-service possible. Women catch on faster than men, says historian Tim Russell
1960s British oil company EP combines very low prices with female attendants in tiny bikinis. Police are called in to monitor traffic jams (and bikinis).
2007 Israel hires Better Place to build a countrywide power grid for electric cars. Charger outlets will appear in homes, offices, and even... gas stations?
To learn how you can find the least expensive fuel wherever you are, visit www.AAA.com/gasprices.
This article was first published in January 2009. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.
