Gardner's Gulf Service station, 3916 North Armenia Avenue
Gardner's Gulf Service station, 3916 North Armenia Avenue, southwest corner of Armenia Avenue and Tampa Bay Boulevard. 1957. Burgert Brothers. Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System
Morrison’s Discount Auto Repair, 3916 North Armenia Avenue, 2021. © Chip Weiner
Back in the 1950s, when this photograph was taken, gas stations were called service stations because they actually provided a wide range of services. In addition to selling gasoline and providing basic car maintenance, attendants filled your gas tank, checked your oil, and cleaned your windshield. There were few self-serve pumps during the midcentury. This station on N. Armenia Ave. at Tampa Bay Blvd. served popular West Tampa, home of iconic cigar factories and rich in Tampa history.
In 1968, Superior Service Station and Garage opened at this address. Richard Perez also operated Perez Texaco Service Station, an auto repair shop here. Morrison’s Discount Auto Repair has been in the spot for over a decade and remains there today.
© Chip Weiner. All rights reserved
From Burgert Brothers: Look Again, Vol.2