The Intriguing History of Bomber Gas Station
The Bomber Gas Station does not follow the conventionally known ‘gas station’ archetype, and the unique curiosities it offers have no doubt contributed to the fascination of both locals and passersby. Situated in the quaint town of Milwaukie, Oregon, this fascinating site adopts a framework that far outshines many well-recognized historic destinations.
A Historical Icon
What sets the Bomber apart is the ingenious use of a B-17 Flying Fortress, a well-known aircraft model used predominantly during World War II. The B-17, or Bomber, doesn’t merely sit in the vicinity of the gas station – it entirely envelops the station’s foreground only a few feet away from the pumps.
World War II Legacy
The Bomber’s B-17 was commissioned during one of the most tumultuous periods of the 20th century. As a remnant of a bygone era, it stands as a symbol of the hardships endured by a preceding generation. The craft itself first made its entrance into service in 1945, serving non-combat missions for a brief period before retiring to a graveyard for surplus outmoded aircraft in Oklahoma.
Remarkable Journey
A curious decision by businessman Art Lacey, back in 1947, was a definitive part of the Bomber’s journey. Lacey purchased the retired fortress for merely $13,748. He did not intend to fly it nor make a museum piece out of it. Instead, he wanted it to serve as a remarkable landmark for a gas station he planned to build.
The Iconic Transformation
Before becoming the memorable centerpiece of the Bomber Gas Station, the B-17 faced a true trial by fire. It narrowly escaped disaster during its uncertain flight from Oklahoma to Oregon, borne aloft by a hastily arranged crew. Following its successful journey, an arduous process of installation ensured. In a procedure meticulously choreographed to avoid damaging the aircraft, workers inch by inch hoisted the plane off the ground and firmly glued its unique frame onto a custom-built steel stand.
Community Influence
For several decades, the Bomber Gas Station, crowned with its B-17, continually tangible stirred feelings of intrigue and nostalgia within both locals and tourists alike. But the overarching sentiment forever associated with the Bomber is the sense of community fostered around it. Its history extends beyond the post-war period, deeply ingraining itself into the socio-cultural fabric of Milwaukie.
A Significant Relic
It is not merely the World War II era Legacy that highlighted the Bomber Gas Station. The B-17 Flying Fortress is a visual reminder of the immense effort and sacrifice of the generation that built it. It is also a testament to the great lengths humanity would go to preserve pieces of history in the most unconventional ways.
An End of an Era
The Bomber Gas Station’s tenure as an active fueling stop and an unusual landmark concluded in 2014. However, the B-17, devoid of its original pedestal, found another home with the Alf Engen Ski Museum in Utah. Despite leaving its spot, the Bomber Gas Station memories remain etched in people’s hearts and minds.
Enduring Legacy
The Bomber Gas Station, while no longer operational, continues to intrigue those who discover its story. While it represents a unique intersection of history, nostalgia, community, and eccentricity, it is ultimately a lasting testament to humanity’s remarkable capacity for preservation and innovation.