Readers of the Winston-Salem Journal on this day in 1930 were treated to a photo of the first “Shell” service station in Winston-Salem. In fact, it was the first “Shell” station that Quality Oil Company constructed. And, the ad made the claim that the new shell station was “the first of its kind in the world.”
The new station, numbered Quality Oil station #2, was located on Burke Street, near the intersection with Westdale Avenue.
The station was 9 x 14 feet at the base, 19 feet tall, and the color was yellow trimmed in red. There were four 30-foot driveways, and two side canopies covered the wash pit and grease pit.
Two flood lights poured streams of light upon the station at night.
The newspaper ad also advised readers that “car owners will find a great pleasure in getting their car serviced here. There will be trained, courteous representatives in attendance at all times, who will supply your motor needs with exact understanding of what Shell gasoline and Shell motor oil your motor requires to give you the greatest economy and utmost satisfaction.” Services also included “washing, polishing, shellubrication, crank case service, etc.”
At this time, the ad mentioned that Quality Oil was owned and operated by Bert L. Bennett, John H. Glenn, and W. H. Leonard. The ad also reminded readers that the company was “100 percent home owned.”
Phil Walker was the manager, and Marshall Mott III was the assistant manager.
Other “Shell” service stations would follow, making a total of eight in Winston-Salem. Today, the remaining station with the shell exterior is located on East Sprague Street, but it does not dispense gas or oil.
Photo courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection.
