New Feature Exhibition Opening at Bartow History Museum
The Bartow History Museum is pleased to announce the opening of a new feature exhibition on Thursday, April 30, 2015. The new exhibit, “Fill ‘er Up: The Story of the Service Station,” takes a look at the way gas and service stations have changes over time.
Throughout the early 20th century, gas stations popped up along early roadways and provided fuel for motorists across the country. Today’s gas stations complete with mini-marts, fast food restaurants, car washes and islands of self-serve fuel have come a long way since the days of pumping gas from a storage tank into a glass or metal dispenser.
This exhibit will include a variety of historic gas pumps and other tools, parts, and fixtures used both inside and outside the station, as well as photographs of Bartow County service stations. While historic service stations are disappearing, they will continue to serve as reminders of earlier times when every tank of gas came with an oil check and a cleaned windshield.
The opening will take place on Thursday, April 30, 2015. A member’s preview and reception will begin at 6:30 p.m., with refreshments provided by Highway 41 Filling Station. At 7 p.m., author and historian, Abbie Parks, will present a special lecture on her book Images of America:North Georgia’s Dixie Highway. Through historic photographs, the book chronicles the rise of the Dixie Highway tourist route and the service related businesses that sprang up along that route, including service stations.
The Bartow History Museum is located at 4 E. Church Street in downtown Cartersville. Parking is available next to the building. The lecture is free to members and included with the price of admission for not-yet members. For more information on this and other BHM programs, call 770-382-3818, ext. 6288 or visit our website at www.bartowhistorymuseum.org.
