>>We're saving an old gas station built in the 1920's. Do you think it's
important to save the old gas pumps, or should we just replace them with
modern pumps?"<<

One of the best reasons to save old buildings, and the gas pumps that go
with them is because of their connection to the people who think they are
important. Sometimes these relationships are not readily apparent, for
example:

(See the photo at:
http://www.historichomeworks.com/HHW/frontporch/front.htm)

Ethyl just stared as Wilke pulled out, but she knew he'd be back. The red
taillights on his '38 coupé drifted off straight along 20 West for more than
an hour, then rising up over the high plains ridge they blinked out around
that last curve. That last curve was the edge of Ethyl's universe. She knew
she would never get out of this Pitstop on the Plains. But it didn't matter
to Ethyl. They always came back for more after a visit to Ethyl's place. It
was her secret pleasure: they think they get what they pay for, she gives
them what they deserve. Later they come slinking back, can in hand, begging
for more. Wilke said he was headed for Casper, but Ethyl knew better. He'd
stop for pie and coffee at the café in Harrison just to lay his eyes on that
cute waitress they got there. Then he'd pull out on her too. Let her stare
at his red taillights for a change. Ethyl only made it through the 8th
grade, but she could calculate miles to the tenth and gallons to the
hundredth. She knew Wilke would be running out of gas just about the time he
crossed over the state line--right about now. Out there on the gravel
shoulder in the dark, rummaging through the junk in his trunk, cursing and
praying he still had that gas can. Ethyl knew he'd be heading back. He'd
have to walk right by that café, with her looking out, coming to the door,
laughing at him, him with his can in his hand, as he got by there quick as
he could. Ethyl knew he would be back, they always come back to Ethyl's
place.

John Leeke
Chadron, Nebraska, October, 2000

Copyright 2000 John C Leeke