Sinclair Oil Company

Before moving to Fort Worth, I was barely acquainted with Sinclair Oil.  I was only aware of their existence through the company-owned gas stations I would see from time to time.  The cigar shop I worked for was housed in the downtown Sinclair Building.  This is what initially piqued my interest in the company's history.  From what I can gather, their hey-day was in the 1930's and 1940's.  They may have had a more far-reaching impact than what I've been able to read about the company, but I can recognize that iconic oil companies such as Sinclair are a dying breed.  (No pun intended as their mascot is a dinosaur.)  Both yesterday and today, I visited two "throw-back" gas stations that were once Sinclair owned and operated.  One is located on McCart, and the other is on Camp Bowie.  They have been restored to what they probably looked like in years gone by.  Stuff like this absolutely mesmerizes me.  One of the pumps was even marked Lead Gasoline, a reminder of products no longer available.  (As a kid, I remember my father having to tell the station attendant whether he wanted leaded or unleaded.)  Both stations had a "garage" attached, and would presumably have an attendant on duty during normal operating hours.  If you have time and are in the area, please make it a point to visit these stations.  They are no longer functional, but simply stand as a testimony to a once giant in the oil industry.


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