They are symbols of the automotive age, and icons of architecture, economics and pop culture. Get behind the wheel for a journey through Wisconsin to visit historically significant gas stations from simple shacks to homey cottages, exotic pagodas, and sleek service centers.
This documentary is a companion to the book Fill 'er Up: The Glory Days of Wisconsin Gas Stations by Jim Draeger and Mark Speltz published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press. Fill 'er Up was produced as a partnership of the Wisconsin Historical Society and Wisconsin Public Television. Fill 'er Up was made possible by The Wisconsin History Fund supported, in part, by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
About the Author: Wisconsin Public Television celebrates its long history as an innovator in public television every day. One of the earliest educational public television stations in the United States, WPT's roots date back to the inception of Madison-based WHA-TV in 1954. Since then, it has grown into a statewide network of six stations devoted to sharing the stories of the people of Wisconsin through television broadcasts, community events and engagement. Many of these programs, including the celebrated Wisconsin Hometown Stories project, the Wisconsin War Stories series and two recent Jerry Apps farm history programs, have evolved from a strong partnership between WPT and the Wisconsin Historical Society.
