Regarding full service gas stations: I was a gas station attendant, in Oregon, in 1970-75. I was 16 when I started. Yes, I was in the middle of the gas line problem.
Texaco was another bunch of old men telling a young man, “This is how you start your life.” “Hard work.” “Forget those books.” “You won’t need them where your going.”
I studied the automobile. That’s why I don’t own one. I have had no car for 20 years.
The gas vapors dropped my GPA .33 points when I went back to college in 1975. I had the pay to become an alcoholic, drug addict and a drunk driver in my teens. Still want full service gas stations?
I never finished my college. Texaco and Shell didn’t want me back. I ended up in Oregon State Hospital for a few years. I’ve been hooked up with mental health services for 35 years.
Hey, I’m 59 years old, I’m on disability, I can sit around and write you a letter.
Can you see going to work, 16 years old, to fill up cars with gas, at 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. Those are autos lined up down the street! Four hours of non-stop pumping. You had to tell the rest, “That’s all the gas we have today.” Then, it was off to high school to finish my diploma.
My friend rebuilt my ‘67 Mustang engine in shop class so I snuck his dad’s truck in for a tank of gas. If I saw one of my classmates in the gas lines I’d get them in.
Still want full service gas stations? I’ve survived to grow old. Will your sons or daughters? That’s who Texaco and Shell want.
Guy F. Boehner
Everett
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