3916 VERNON AVENUE
Belt Line Shell

This was a gas station, located at the point where drivers coming from the west on Excelsior Blvd. turned right to go south onto Highway 100. It was a very dangerous spot that saw many, many accidents. It was remembered as the first modern gas station on the Boulevard, and a hangout for kids.

The site started out as a vegetable stand, built in 1933 by Sig. A.G. (?). The filling station was built in 1936 by Dr. Charles W. Cotton. In 1939, and possibly before, Weaver’s Super Service Station was owned by a Mr. Weaver. Weaver sold out in 1940 when all the outside work got to him.

From 1941 to 1947 it was Knapp's Shell, owned by E.E. Knapp. In 1945, an Al Knapp helped design Shell’s “Service Station of Tomorrow.” He was called to New York to give the suits some on-the-job advice. His ideas included vents to get rid of carbon monoxide and an expanded sales room.

From 1947 on it was known as Belt Line Shell, that year owned by Fran W. Mitchell and Herb F. Pfremmer. There were 5 pumps that year. In 1951 it was operated by A.G. Erickson, and from 1952 to 1966 the operators were Don and John Nolander (although there was a Warren R. Ford in the picture in 1958). In 1953, a Butler manufactured all-steel building was erected to square off existing building.

In 1966 the station was demolished and the site is now an on ramp to the highway.

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This information comes from a variety of sources: newspapers, books, yearbooks, phone directories, interviews, etc. Given the varied sources, we cannot guarantee that all of this information is correct, and welcome any additions and corrections. Please contact us with your contributions and comments.