Barry Isaac
BP Station in Pendembu, December 1967, with electricity
In mid-1967, an electric generator was installed at this station, along with fluorescent lighting and new pumps. Although the meter was still re-set by a small handcrank on the side, the pumps were otherwise electric-powered. No other private business or residence had electric power during my stay (Dec. 6, 1965 to Feb. 15, 1968). The generator was noisy for a town accustomed to preindustrial tranquility, and it was turned off promptly at 10 PM each day to comply with a local ordinance. In December 1967, regular-grade petrol cost Le 0.63 to Le 0.65 per gallon at both BP and Mobil, equivalent to U.S. $0.75 to $0.78 (Le 1.00 = U.S. $1.20, following devaluation on Nov. 26, 1967).
In this photo, my friend gbaku is filling up with Super, preparing to drive back to Northern Province following his Christmas visit.
Note the Star Beer advertisement in the background. No other company advertised as heavily here.
BP Station in Pendembu, December 1967, with electricity
In mid-1967, an electric generator was installed at this station, along with fluorescent lighting and new pumps. Although the meter was still re-set by a small handcrank on the side, the pumps were otherwise electric-powered. No other private business or residence had electric power during my stay (Dec. 6, 1965 to Feb. 15, 1968). The generator was noisy for a town accustomed to preindustrial tranquility, and it was turned off promptly at 10 PM each day to comply with a local ordinance. In December 1967, regular-grade petrol cost Le 0.63 to Le 0.65 per gallon at both BP and Mobil, equivalent to U.S. $0.75 to $0.78 (Le 1.00 = U.S. $1.20, following devaluation on Nov. 26, 1967).
In this photo, my friend gbaku is filling up with Super, preparing to drive back to Northern Province following his Christmas visit.
Note the Star Beer advertisement in the background. No other company advertised as heavily here.