Released in 2025, "Refueling the Past"
The definitive biography of John W. "Bet-A-Million" Gates -- barbed wire baron, bold gambler, and founder of Texaco
A History of Service Stations in the Tri-City Area
Capturing the spirit of the small town entrepreneur from the perspective of a former service station dealer.
McCornack Oil Co, Red Hat Gas
McCornack Oil Co, Red Hat Gas
McCornack Oil Co, Red Hat Gas
My service station was constructed by Charles McCornack in 1928 as his new headquarters at a cost of over $65,000. In this era, the average cost for a service station was about $5,000 .
In Operation from 1928-1990
McCornack Oil Co, Red Hat Gas
McCornack Oil Co, Red Hat Gas
This early photograph shows the west end of the service station and the original two–bay construction. To this date the original clay tile roof remains along with copper gutters and downspouts.
1941 Addition & Remodel
McCornack Oil Co, Red Hat Gas
1941 Addition & Remodel
The construction of a third bay, elimination of the in-ground pits and addition of two overhead lifts solidified the station's existence for another 50 years.
1951 Bob & Len's Texaco
1951 Bob & Len's Texaco
1941 Addition & Remodel
"Bob & Len, Your Texaco Men" with their crew. Three of the staff will go on to own their own businesses.
Bentz Texaco
1951 Bob & Len's Texaco
Office/Showroom 1990
Decorated for Christmas in 1979. In the photo on the right, Archie and Linda Bentz are in the showroom surrounded by a collection of gas globes representing family history.
Office/Showroom 1990
1951 Bob & Len's Texaco
Office/Showroom 1990
The former service station now serves the community as the St. Charles Historical Museum. "Refueling the Past" is waiting for you in the current Gift Shop.