The Mt. Adams Sun, Bingen, WA., July 30, 1953, page 4

TROUT LAKE DREAM COMES TRUE AS TOMMY OPENS MODERN STATION

     Trout Lake (Special) A 32-year-old dream came true last Saturday, July 25, when Tommy Burkell opened his new Chevron gas station on the state highway intersection just east of Trout Lake.
     Guests who visited the nice concrete building with all modern equipment had the impression that Tommy had opened a flower shop. The office was completely filled with baskets of beautiful flowers, and other gifts sent by friends wishing him success.
     This week Keith Langfield will open a lunch room and confectionery in connection with the station -another business that is much needed in Trout Lake … Now for the dream.

ONE GALLON

     In 1921 Doodles and I were here camping. Herman Thode had been operating the hall now known as the Tourist Club which he started in 1907. But he was getting weary and wanted to do something else.
     For two years we mulled over the idea before we decided to take the hall. The winter of 1923 was open and Herman worked hard and long hours to get Trout Lake's first service station open.
     He built a home on the main road with a workshop in front. Even though there were not a dozen cars in Trout Lake Valley at that time and few tourists risked the rocky, dusty road to drive up, Herman put a tank in the ground and installed a pump to sell gas.
     On March 24, 1924 we took over the hall and Herman opened his gas station. His hand pump pumped one gallon and then had to be wound back to pump the next gallon. He had only a few tools to help patch tires. Since there was no electricity, night repairs had to be made by the light of the kerosene lantern hung on the wall.

DREAMS COME TRUE

     Herman's service station prospered as cars increased, roads grew better, logging started and electricity came. These required more equipment, more tanks and pumps - and a younger man.
     By 1946 Herman was in his 70's and Tommy Burkell was back home from overseas. Somewhat bewildered by what to do with civilian life, the young G.I. crossed his fingers and agreed to take over the station on a trial basis. The date was Oct. 24.
     As the years since rolled by, the little station just outgrew its pants. Something had to be done. This spring Tommy started to build the new station.
     While Saturday was the real opening day, Tommy sold his first gas Friday evening - the 24th, just the same as Herman and he had done before.
     Now Tommy is happy and Herman says: "Nothing matters for me anymore. I've seen my dream of a modern gas station for Trout Lake come true."

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©  Jeffrey L. Elmer