Name/Title
Powder Puff Filling Station Article, American Builder, 1927Scope and Content
Article taken from the American Builder explaining the Powder Puff filling station in Waupun. The article is dated January 1927. The Powder Puff filling station was located at the intersection of Fond du Lac and Watertown steets.
AMERICAN BUILDER (Covers the Entire Building Field)
Filling Stations That Ornament Wisconsin's Highways
THE state of Wisconsin is noted for its excellent highways and tourist accommodations and this applies also to the filling stations which are observed as one motors through this vacation region of the Middle West. Two of these attractive filling stations, pictured here, have been described as "the two most photographed filling stations in the state" and they might well deserve that title for what passing motorist, with his ever ready camera, could resist the temptation to snap a picture of these fascinating bits of Dutch Colonial architecture.
And once the tourist pauses to add to his collection of picture souvenirs he is more than likely to avail himself of the service which this model offers. For this reason the owners feel that their money has been well invested in the architecture which has made these buildings distinctive.
The design of the "Powder Puff," at Waupun, Wisconsin, was prepared by Foeller, Schober & Stephenson, architects of Green Bay, and is considered a model of completeness. The cream colored stucco wall finish is strikingly beautiful and is further enhanced by delft blue blinds decorated with powder puffs done in yellow. The chimney, too, is of stucco and is effectively set off by highly colored, fireproof, composition shingles.
The building proper measures 14 by 28 feet on the ground and is 21 feet high. The interior plan provides for a ladies' rest room, lavatories, an office and a coal bin. The rest room is furnished with a wicker settee, wicker chairs and reading table, cretonne draperies and a tapestry rug.
The ladies' lavatory is delightfully equipped with all the necessities pertaining to the comfort of its patrons, the face powder and individual powder puffs, especially, have been enthusiastically received by the feminine tourists. The rest room, 10 feet 3 inches by 9 feet 6 inches, affords a comfortable space for relaxation during a pause in the day's travel while the car is receiving attention outside.
The second of these stations is the DeBaufer Filling Station at Menasha, Wisconsin. The design was done by W. H. Gmeiner, architect of Appleton, Wisconsin, for the owner, A. W. Borens, of Menasha, It has the effect of friendly hominess which is associated with the Dutch cottage and this impression is furthered, upon entering, by the roominess evident throughout.
There are five rooms including a main office, private office, two rest rooms and a barrel room for the storage of oil and other supplies. The ladies' rest room is of ample proportions and is equipped in much the same manner as that in the Powder Puff Filling Station already described. All of the inner walls are finished in "icicle" plastering, with the ceilings timbered in true Colonial style.
This building rests upon a concrete foundation, above a basement, and has exterior dimensions of 15 by 27 feet. The walls are of brick, 12 inches thick, and are covered with stucco in tones of cream and purple. The doorways are ornamented with bronze wall brackets, and the windows, both the dormers and those in the walls, are of art glass. The doorways are of lumber used in the rough state, as it came from the factory. It has been stained and left to weather, giving a most pleasing rustic effect.
Caption under picture: [The Powder Puff Filling Station, at Waupun, Wisconsin, Was Designed by Foeller, Schober & Stephenson, Architects, of Green Bay, Wisconsin. It is one of the most attractive bits of scenery to be found along the highway and appeals strongly to the passing motorist to stop and make its acquaintance.]
Caption under picture: [The Interior of the Powder Puff Is Arranged for the Comfort of Its Patrons, the Ladies' Rest Room Making a Special Appeal to the Feminine Motorist.]
Caption under picture: [At Menasha, Wisconsin, the Motor Tourist Will Find the De Baufer Filling Station Waiting to Charm His Eye and Serve the Requirements of His Car. The architect was W. H. Gmeiner, of Appleton, Wisconsin, and he has produced a building which is a colorful spot along highway.]
Caption under picture: [The Simple Plan of This Filling Station Gives Little Idea of the Completeness of Its Equipment for Serving Its Travel Wearied Patrons Who Stop for Service and a Brief Rest.]Acquisition
Accession
2008.0001Source or Donor
James & Harriet LairdAcquisition Method
Bequest,Collected by
