Familiar Cold Spring Landmark Gone

Green gas pumps at corner of Fair and Norther have been removed

The much-loved, old green gas pumps that stood for decades in front of the former car dealership at the corner of Fair Street and Northern Avenue have been removed.  The “Flying A” pumps often evoked nostalgic comments and smiles from visitors and residents alike. Tourists and even wedding parties posed in front of them. Aspiring actors in period dress were known to use the pumps as a backdrop when adding to their photographic portfolio.

The “A” in “Flying A” stood for The Associated Oil Co., a California-based company once owned by J. Paul Getty. “Flying A” brand gasoline ceased to exist in 1966. It seems that Cold Spring is not alone in its interest in the “Flying A” brand. A quick search on eBay yields a remarkable amount of “Flying A” memorabilia for sale – everything from t-shirts and signs to clocks and gas pump globes.

(Left photo by Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong, right by Michael Turton)