Making a Home
A Community in Conflict
Working for a Living
Farming in the Great Corn Belt
Abraham Lincoln in McLean County
Changing Customer Service
Merchant-to-customer service and interaction declined dramatically as new computer technologies enabled self-service at gas stations and other retail businesses.
Featuring:
Elmo A. (1902-1976) and Eldon Quinn (1984), Texaco gas station owners
Bloomington twins Elmo A. (1902-1976) and Eldon Quinn (1984) opened a Texaco gas station on the corner of Main and Chestnut streets just north of Bloomington’s busy downtown in 1941. Customers came from both directions on Main Street, which was then aligned with Route 66. The brothers pumped gas, checked the oil, and washed the windows for every customer that pulled into their station. They also did mechanical repairs and replaced tires.
Elmo and Eldon also played tricks on their customers. One would pump gas while the other checked the oil. When the brother checking the oil closed the hood, the driver would see him head back into the station. Immediately after that the twin pumping the gas would step up to the driver’s window to ask for payment. Customer reactions were priceless.
Quinn’s Texaco gas station, on the corner of Main and Chestnut streets, across from Holy Trinity Church, was a Bloomington landmark. The Quinn family provided service to local and Route 66 travelers at this location for 70 years.
Elmo C. Quinn (1940- ) joined his uncle Eldon and father Elmo in the business in 1954, washing windshields and checking oil at the age of 13. Business was great, but when the Beltline Road (now Veterans Parkway) rerouted much of Main Street’s traffic around the east side of town, business declined. Fortunately the Quinn’s had a steady stream of loyal, local customers.
Elmo C. took over the business in 1978, sometimes assisted by his sons David and Brian.
Elmo began selling Shell gasoline in 1985, after 44 years of selling Texaco gasoline.
Though every other gas station in McLean County eventually installed self-service pumps, Quinn’s did not. Elmo believed in traditional customer service and continued to pump gas, wash windshields, and check engines and oil for all of his customers.
In 2014, after over 70 years of service, Elmo closed the Quinn gas station.
Texaco refinery cutbacks forced Quinn’s to change to Shell in 1985. At the time Elmo’s sons, Brian (left) and David (center), were assisting at the pump.
Texaco hat, shirt, trousers, and belt, circa 1955
View this object in Matterport
Texaco uniform worn by Elmo C. Quinn.
Donated by: Elmo C. Quinn
96.3.40
