Michigan Map - Collecting Vintage Maps

Might great-grandfather moved from Chicago to rural Michigan (Jones, Michigan to be exact) in answer to a newspaper ad to purchase a Mobiloil gas station franchise that sold Gargoyle gasoline (see picture above for logo). After both of my great-grandparents had passed, the family wanted to keep the station in the family and my parents purchased both the station and farm that went with it.

The station was strictly off-limits when I was a kid so, naturally, I explored it from basement to attic. It was probably heaven for anyone who collects gas station paraphernalia. Old signs for tobacco, Coca Cola, and oil. Since this was also what we could consider a convenience store nowadays there were displays for food items (the old prices were still attached to the shelves) as well.

One of the items that always drew attention was a Gargoyle Mobiloil lollipop sign that stood outside. I don't know what these get at antique shops or anything, but my folks sold it at a yard sale for maybe $50. Must have seen "sucker" stamped on their heads. Too bad this was before the internet and eBay. With a little research they would have had a better handle on the asking price (my quick research shows a value closer to the $200-$300 range).

There were tons of other items that I won't take the time to list here. I think I'll have to create another lens just for all of that. When it's completed, I'll throw a link to it from here.

Anyway, I have a love for Michigan maps and a love for gas station collectibles so that's how this page came about. I hope you enjoy it.