This fall I taught a class at the Osher Institute at UCLA; the class was called American Moments and one day I was talking about early automobiles and why gas-powered engines became the norm instead of electric-powered, which were also being made in the early 1900s.
“Where did people buy gasoline?” asked a member of my class.
I didn’t know the answer, but I promised to look into it before the next class. The best information I could find was that before there were gas stations, drivers could buy gasoline in canisters at a general store. None of us were totally satisfied, but that was what I could find.
I should have thought of calling the Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. Recently in The Wall Street Journal there was a review of the newly revamped museum, and my attention was riveted by these sentences:
“Gasoline engines were initially troublesome because they were smelly, noisy and often broke down. Also, gasoline was hard to find. That changed in 1901 when oil was discovered in Texas. There were still no gas stations, but a picture here from the early 20th century shows a home-heating-oil truck also delivering gasoline. Even though they had to carry gasoline cans when taking longer trips, drivers liked the unlimited range of cars propelled by a gasoline-powered, internal-combustion engine. “
So there it is! A much more satisfactory answer to how early drivers obtained gas for powering their cars.
And here’s one more fact: At a recent auto show I noted that some of the beautiful early cars had a permanently-installed compartment along the running board that held gasoline so they knew all along they would have to carry along extra gas as they traveled.
And here’s another interesting tidbit: I was writing about Billie Burke and Flo Ziegfeld and their estate in Hastings, New York and there was a description of a “motor room.” What’s a motor room? A room where drivers and passengers, windblown and dirty from riding in an open car, could come in to clean up–even shower–after their journey.
For more information on early cars, see “Auto Sales Stimulus, 1909.“
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where is the duryea brothers?
The Duryea Brothers lived in Wyoming, Illinois. As you likely already know, they invented the first gasoline-powered automobile.
I would prefer a high bred auto, instead of all electric, helping everyone involved including auto owners! (Recharging as you drove, therefore using less fuel, and not getting stuck on the road )
Excellent point…thanks for posting.
A hybrid automobile, with Hydrogen fuel and plug-in rechargeable. That way we help the environment, most of our driving is powered by electricity, and we have extended-range vehicles with hydrogen fuel, that are easily refueled. A hybrid automobile can be powered by both hydrogen fuel and rechargeable electricity, making it environmentally friendly and easily refueled.
Thank you! Excellent point.
Kate
I heard a discussion about people using alcohol in early vehicles. The hypothesis was that is what led to the prohibition. The Temperance movement used to cover up the oil companies not wanting folks to use homemade alcohol. Is the timeline correct? The early oil companies were very powerful. The book “The Prize” talks about government influence and the power of the elites at the time. Possible?
That’s interesting. I should take a look at that book. Your timeline is good, but I would add that temperance was an issue for a very long time. I will look into it!
Kate
um, oil used for home heating was not widespread until the 1960’s. So how was an oil truck delivering home heating oil in the early 1900’s? your research is quite suspect.
So there you have it!
Hmmm thank you! I’ll take a look at this. This doesn’t sound like what I wrote so I’ll go back and investigate.