About the Shop
Built in 1918, the shop located at 397 Fifth Avenue pumped Texaco and then Shell gasoline throughout the 1950s. Both JR's father and uncle rented the space after World War II, and he himself worked as an apprentice in the shop in the 1970s. JR began the business in downtown Stillwater in 1987 and later transitioned to Bayport, MN when the building became available for purchase in 1998. JR purchased the shop and began the process of restoring the building, which continues to remain a priority. Replica Shell gas pumps adorn the exterior, while the interior of the office space has been transformed into a sort of miniature museum with various Shell Oil, drag racing, and other miscelaneous gas station memorabilia. JR's efforts to restore the building were recognized in 2001 as he received the "Preservation Award for Restoration of Exterior" from River Town Restoration. The shop has become a popular subject for both amateur and professional photographers and has appeared in many publications including:
- April, 2003 - Polaris Motorsports Calendar
- March, 2005 - Cover, Streetscene: Street Rodding's Only News Monthly
- Cover, MSRA Catalogue
- Post cards
- Framed Prints
