This was a long-running gas station, often just described as located at Excelsior Blvd. and the Belt Line. It may have been at the point where drivers coming from the west on Excelsior Blvd. turned right to go south onto Highway 100. But going by the address, it may have been north of Excelsior, at 39th Street and Wooddale. Regardless, it was a very dangerous spot that saw many, many accidents. It was remembered as the first modern gas station on the Boulevard, and a hangout for kids.
1933: The site started out as a vegetable stand, built by Sig. A.G. (?).
1936: The filling station was built by Dr. Charles W. Cotton, who had owned the site since at least 1930.
1938: Connected to water main.
1939 (possibly before): Weaver’s Super Service Station. Weaver sold out in 1940 when all the outside work got to him. Assuming Weaver is the one in the fedora.
1941 to 1947: Knapp’s Shell Super Service, owned by E.E. Knapp. In 1945, an Al Knapp helped design Shell’s “Service Station of Tomorrow.” He was called to New York to give the suits some on-the-job advice. His ideas included vents to get rid of carbon monoxide and an expanded sales room.
BELT LINE SHELL
From 1947-51 Belt Line Shell was owned by Fran W. Mitchell and Herb F. Pfremmer. There were 5 pumps.
1951: Operated by A.G. Erickson
February 1952: Don and John Nolander
1953: A Butler manufactured all-steel building was erected to square off the existing building.
1958: Warren R. Ford, Prop.
1961: Millard Steady
In 1966 the station was demolished and the site is now an on ramp to the highway.