At one time Marion literally had a gas station on every corner and in between. Which only seems a short time ago, but in fact was 1969, 44 years ago, as you entered Marion from Highway 641 South or 60 West when you stopped at the stop light there a station on all four corners. These pictures were made in 1969.
Southside Gulf was owned and operated by Dwayne Croft. The last to run this station was Randell and Glenda Chandler. When the new regulations came about with replacing of the gas tanks below ground, the chandlers turn it into a small engine repair business.
This station today is the home of NAPA owned and operated by Ronnie Myers
The lot where this station sat for many years was the site of the popular convenient store The Pantry. Everyone hated to see it close. Several other businesses used the building over the years, but it sits empty today and has now for several years.
This long running gas station was able to stay in business selling gas until July 2009 went the high cost of gas and low profits for selling it, caused them to close the gas pumping part of the business.
Today the business is run by Scott Tabor and it is Tabor's Repair and Tire Center.
From an article in the Crittenden Press, August 1956. It was talking about the long ago "gas wars". These price-cutting sprees come about when a new independent company comes into an area and sells gas at a low price in order to get business. When this happens, other operators must cut their prices in order to compete. Gradually this spreads until an entire region gets into what is known as a "prince war." Current price in Marion are 35 1/2 cents per gallon, premium, and 32 1/2 cents for regular. Oh for the good ole days again.
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