Between October 1973 and March 1974, the OPEC cartel oil embargo caused problems or residents of Portland, Oregon. The US fuel shortage led to problems for motorists in finding gas that was available and affordable. Theft from cars left unprotected was commonplace. Many added locks to their vehicle’s fuel’s caps and pumps. Other, like the father and son pictured above, told gas thieves they;’ be shot.
Many fuel stations closed. To conserve energy. businesses switched off their neon signs. All Portland high schools had their football games rescheduled for daylight hours. Sales of gas-guzzling mobile homes plummeted. And the kerosene lamp business boomed. David Falconer worked on the Documerica project to document the fuel shortage in Oregon during the 1970s.
“Turn Off the Damn Lights” stickers were used in newspaper ads as well as on television, billboards and car bumpers.
Abandoned gasoline stations abandoned were sometimes used for other purposes. This Station at Potlatch, Washington, west of Olympia was turned into a religious meeting hall. A sign painted on the pump proclaimed “Fill Up with Old Time Salvation.”
This neon light company in Portland referred to the Bible passage: “Let There Be Light.”
Winter wood was in high demand. People were still stocking up on wood in April 1974.
Imported gasoline available at a cost of around double that of domestic fuel.
CARPOOL
“Pool It” Sign North of Vancouver, Washington, Was a Reminder That the Gasoline Shortage Was Not over in March, 1974 and Sharing Rides Was a Good Idea 03/1974
Retained a Car Pool Office in May, 1974, Even after the Gas Shortage Was Virtually Over. The Phone Number for the Agency Spells C A R P O O L 05/1974
EVEN
Oregon’s Odd-Even Plan Reduced the Lines at Gas Stations During the Fuel Crisis in the Fall and Winter of 1973-74. This Station Was Servicing Cars with Even-Numbered Last Digits on Their License Plates on an Even-Numbered Calendar Day 02/1974
COUIPONS
Printed Gas Coupons for Official City Cars During the Fuel Crisis. A City Commissioner Shows the Coupons That Were Used in February, 1974. Each Coupon Allowed Five Gallons at City Pumps Only 02/1974
DANGER FIRE
Original Caption: Actual Demonstration by the Fire Department Training Station Showing What Would Happen after a Rear End Accident If a Five Gallon Can of Gasoline Was Carried in the Trunk of an Auto (Picture Number Six in a Series of Six.) 01/1974
After a Long Winter without Having a Smiling Service Station Operator Offer to Wash the Windows and Check the Tires a Driver From West of the Cascades Had to Drive East of the Mountains to Find Such Service as at This Station 02/1974
SUNDAY
“Never on Sunday” Was the Theme Song of the Oregon Gasoline Dealers Association During the Gasoline Shortage During the Fall and Winter of 1973-74. This Sign Was Posted in Portland 01/1974
SMALELR
A Buyers’ Market Developed Overnight in the Pacific North-West for Gasoline Guzzling Motor Homes. At the Height of the Fuel Shortage It Was Almost Impossible to Sell Them. This One Was for Sale 12/1973
Oregon Governor Tom Mccall Takes Delivery of a Smaller Car with Better Gas Mileage as His Official Auto and the Press Covers the Event in Portland. The Auto Replaced a Lincoln. Mrs Mccall Is Shown on the Passenger’s Side 01/1974
SORRY
After Hours in a Gasoline Line a Driver Could Arrive at the Pumps and Find Out That the Car Ahead of Him Was the Last to Get Fuel. So Many Stations, Such as This One in Portland, Began Using a “Sorry” Sign on the Last Car to Get Gas 12/1973
HITCH
The Gas Shortage in the Pacific Northwest During December 1973 Had Even Suited Businessmen Hitch-Hiking in Places Like Beaverton 12/1973
SPEED LIMIT
Motorists Were Stopped by the State Police When They Exceeded the 55 Mile an Hour Limit on Highways Which Had a Previous Limit of 70. The Action Was Done to Conserve Fuel During the Crisis in the Pacific Northeast. This Is on 80 N East of Portland 12/1973
BROADWAY
Looking Down Southwest Broadway in Portland, During the Energy Crisis Shows Limited Lighting on a Misty Evening 12/1973
Would you like to support Flashbak?
Please consider making a donation to our site. We don't want to rely on ads to bring you the best of visual culture. You can also support us by signing up to our Mailing List. And you can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For great art and culture delivered to your door, visit our shop.
