Go-Gas Consumers Service Station Real Photo Postcard Mechanicsville Iowa 1920

Condition: *Please* use the Hip photo magnifier to check for flaws on each picture, mouse over to zoom and ... Read more about the seller notes *Please* use the Hip photo magnifier to check for flaws on each picture, mouse over to zoom and click to enlarge. Comes from a smoke free home. Common errors from the scanner vs damage are digital lines (usually grey or pink), cutting off the top of the card/words. Read Less about the seller notes

This outstanding real photo postcard (RPPC) features an early Consumers Service Station and “GO-GAS” dealer in Mechanicsville, Iowa, circa 1920. The card includes extensive period handwriting on the reverse identifying individuals and location, including George DeVault, Manager, and references to the site’s later history.The image captures the dawn of America’s automobile age, showing one of the small independent stations that served local drivers before corporate-branded gas giants dominated the landscape.Image DetailsLocation: Mechanicsville, Iowa (confirmed by notes on reverse)Approx. Date: 1920Station Branding: “Consumers Service Stations” and “GO-GAS”Visible Cars: Several 1910s–early 1920s touring cars with license platesStaff & Patrons:Attendant standing beside visible “GASOLINE” pumpManager and customers near carsMan inspecting a hose or pump line on the right sideSignage & Advertising (wonderful early ephemera!)The station façade features classic early automotive signage, including:“GEARS COST MONEY! Faultless Cup Grease Saves It”“BEAR ‘O.D.’ CHAINS — Car can be set on or off in a jiffy”“ROAMER TIRES — 100% pure fabric, abrasion proof”“GO-GAS” temperature chart sign (likely showing seasonal gas grades)Inside the large display window are oil cans, grease tins, a tire, and early automotive products—an excellent look at 1910s–20s service-station merchandising.Historical ContextIndependent service stations like this appeared during the rapid expansion of automobile ownership between 1915 and 1925. Before standardized filling stations, fuel was often sold from general stores, blacksmith shops, or curbside pumps. By 1920, stations like Consumers Service Stations were emerging nationwide, offering specialized automotive services, tires, lubricants, and branded gasoline.Mechanicsville, a small eastern Iowa town, sat along early regional roadways, making it a natural stop for travelers and locals needing fuel, tire repairs, and vehicle maintenance.Postcard DetailsType: Real Photo Postcard (RPPC)Back: AZO with four triangles up (production approx. 1907–1925)Handwritten notes: Multiple notations identifyingGeorge DeVault, ManagerApprox date “around 1920”Names and references to later Mechanicsville landmarksFormat: UnusedConditionCrisp detail with rich sepia toneMild corner/edge wear expected for ageReverse has multiple handwritten notes (not from original sender)Strong clarity across signage, pumps, and automobilesWhy Collectors Love ItEarly gas station RPPCs are highly collectibleIdentified Iowa location and named station managerRare view of Consumers Service StationsFantastic automotive signage and product advertisingMultiple early autos, attendants, and customersA superb addition for collectors of gas/oil history, early automotive Americana, Iowa towns, or RPPC service-station photography.

Seller Information

Seller

thepapergallery2 (2192)

Registered Since

06/23/2010

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100%

Store

The Paper Gallery

Item Location

California, United States

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Worldwide

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No