Early Filling Station Lives Again continued
Edited By James Burnes

<<<back The use of track light bulbs is reminiscent of the marquee at the glamorous Graumann's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

A Preservation Project With Community Roots

In spring 1999, the City of Lebanon retained an architectural preservation specialist to oversee the restoration project. City employees and community volunteers pitched in offering their assistance in the actual renovation work. Some of the building's features such as the steel roof had to be replicated during the restoration process, although many of the original materials including the doors and window frames were retained to preserve the unique character and style of classic petroleum industry architecture.

Because the original gas pumps used at the Lebanon filling station have disappeared, the City of Lebanon commissioned a preservation firm to replicate the first American style "visible gasoline pumps" which were used in filling stations after 1915. This "eye-measurement" style pump allowed motorists to see the fuel they were buying and confirm that the amount purchased was actually delivered. Chevrolet owners seemed to prefer knowing they got what they paid for so gasoline was pumped from underground storage tanks into an exposed glass holding tank until the customer released a gate valve to gravity feed the gasoline through the hose and nozzle into the automobile fuel tank.

A Building With A Glorious Past And A Promising Future

The preservation of Lebanon's vintage filling station elicits nostalgia for a simpler time and lifestyle in America. The building's service to the local community continues today through the city's commitment to a Community Oriented Policing program as Lebanon Police Substation No. 1. If you would like to know more about the city's restoration project, you may contact the city at:

City of Lebanon
50 South Broadway
Lebanon, Ohio
45036

Tel: 513-932-306