December 2019 • Nebraskaland 37
This old Wadhams station in Pilger
was dilapidated by the time this
photo was taken in the mid-20th
century, but the building was a
landmark in its day. Between 1917
and 1930, Wadhams Oil and Grease
Company of Milwaukee built more
than 100 pagoda-roofed fi lling
stations across the Midwest. The
company had no Japanese ties; it
was simply a marketing strategy at
a time when Japanese culture was
relatively popular in the U.S. History
Nebraska RG2587-1-9
This 1960s postcard promotes
Rasmus Oil Co. in West Point.
Proudly displaying their fl eet of
service trucks, the station seems
most interested in promoting
its range of services for the local
community. History Nebraska
RG3334-3-29
The Covered Wagon Gift Shop was already past its prime when photographer John
Margolies took this picture in 1980. Located west of Kearney, the giant team and
wagon lured Highway 30 tourists with a chance to fuel up and purchase souvenirs.
Library of Congress
This old clockface gas pump was
still standing in Wauneta when
photographer John Margolies noticed
it in 1980. Library of Congress
