Whitehill-Gleason Motors facts for kids
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Whitehill-Gleason Motors
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 Location in Pittsburgh
Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 5815 Baum Boulevard (East Liberty), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA |
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| Built | circa 1920s on the site of the first Drive-In Filling Station (1913) |
| Architect | Maximilian Nirdlinger |
| Architectural style | Early Commercial, Art Deco |
| NRHP reference No. | 99000878 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 22, 1999 |
Whitehill-Gleason Motors is a historic building located at 5815 Baum Boulevard in the East Liberty neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was built in the 1920s. This spot is very important because it was once the site of the very first drive-in filling station in the United States, which opened in 1913.
This building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 22, 1999. A year later, on July 11, 2000, it also received a special Pennsylvania Historical Marker. These honors show how important the building is to history.
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Whitehill-Gleason Motors: A Historic Spot
The Whitehill-Gleason Motors building stands in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It's known for its unique history. The building itself was constructed around the 1920s. It was designed by an architect named Maximilian Nirdlinger. The building shows off an architectural style called Art Deco. This style was popular in the 1920s and 1930s.
A Place of Firsts
What makes this location truly special is what was there before the current building. In 1913, the very first drive-in filling station in the United States opened right on this spot. Imagine a time when cars were new! People needed a quick and easy way to get gasoline. Before this, you might have bought gas in buckets from a general store. This new "drive-in" idea changed everything. It made getting gas much faster and more convenient for drivers.
Why is it Important?
The Whitehill-Gleason Motors building is important for a few reasons. First, it marks the site of a major innovation in transportation history. The idea of a drive-in gas station was revolutionary. It helped shape how we travel today.
National Recognition
Because of its historical importance, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to history. Being on this list helps protect the building. It also makes sure its story is remembered.
Pennsylvania Historical Marker
The building also has a Pennsylvania Historical Marker. These markers are special signs placed around the state. They tell people about important historical events or places. The marker at Whitehill-Gleason Motors reminds everyone about its role in the history of cars and travel.
