Dave Snell

By Kit Zinser

The service station as we knew it in the ’30s, ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s no longer exists.  Service or “filling” stations popped up all over the U.S. after Henry Ford created an affordable gas-powered automobile.  Our Phillips 66 station operated on the east end of town, right across from where RP Lumber sits today.  Today, only Tom Brecklin offers full service at one of their pumps, a comfort I find appealing.  The fun began as Dad pulled up beside the deep orange and black pumps topped with the 66 logo white glass globe.  The spiffy, sharply pressed khaki or white uniform attendant dashed out, stating:  “Fill ‘er up, sir or ma’am?” While the tank filled, he washed the windscreen and wiped the headlamps.  As he twisted on the silver fuel cap, carefully wiping his hands, he smiled, “That will be $3.75.” On his belt was a metal coin changer with a tiny silver lever, and the change in bills came from an overstuffed shirt pocket with the 66 logo.  If the auto needed an oil or tire change, time spent at Bing Snell’s station doubled in fun.  Inside, a glass case held Oh Henry’s, Milky Ways, Double Bubble gum, and Milk Duds.  Drop a dime into the chest-style soda machine. Since the sodas were water-cooled, you moved the bottle along a metal track until the pop was released from its coils, dripping and ice cold.  Orange soda on a hot summer day never tasted better. Doug Coons hung out at Bing’s from the time he was old enough to pedal his bike up there.  A puppy had no more devotion than Doug.  Finally, Bing outfitted Master Coons in a pint-size 66 uniform, and the rest is history.  Doug ultimately made his career with Phillips Petroleum.  This is the kind of guy Bing was: he offered opportunity after opportunity to young men.

Bing’s birth name was David H. Snell.  He and his wife Alice lived in a stately white house at 801 East Jefferson, about a block from the oil company. It has one of the prettiest Maple trees in town.  Bing was born to Myra and David Snell.  In 1931, after graduating from Bradley University, he went into business with his dad (David, Sr.), who established the Washington Oil Company.  Bing and Alice had one daughter, Mary, their pride and joy.

At the onset of WW II, Bing volunteered as an officer in the Navy.  Returning home, he joined the American Legion Post #100 and was elected commander.   He served as Supervisor of Washington Township for three terms.  In one election, Democrat Snell received 1649 votes, 329 more than his opponent Harry Kimpling did.  Snell conducted that campaign from his bed as he had been injured in an auto accident, sustaining a broken arm and fractured back.  Snell continued his longstanding business at the East end of town until his sudden death in 1965.

David “Bing” Snell held family, country, and hometown in high esteem, and the community returned that respect.