Dixie Service Station

The Dixie Service Station was established circa early 1931. Also nearby, on the property was an oil terminal building. The station opened in conjunction with the oil terminal building. Dixie was the marketing division of the East Texas Refining Company, the first refinery in the East Texas Oil Field. The station and terminal were open 24 hours a day.

Dixie had thirty-five stations in the principal towns throughout East Texas. The buildings were pre-fab metal buildings - exactly the same. This station may be the only surviving station.

The station was moved back from the road and further East, when Highway 64 was widened. The front door never closed properly after that. Mr. White drilled a hole in the wall and door, got a chain and lock to remedy the problem. The same chain and lock remains in place today.

The station was the first 'Self Service Station' in this area. Mr. White had been ill and was unable to operate the station. A box was placed for the convenience of the customer. Mr. White could holler out to the customers from his bedroom window, "Help yourself and put your money in the box." It worked. Note the 'SELF SERVICE' sign in its' original place.

This station later operated as a Texaco, Hancock, Spunkey and possible others.

The Whites came to the East Texas Oil Field from Paris, Texas, in the early 1930's seeking work. Mr. White had two brothers working at this Dixie station. Sid White was also hired. Later he purchased the service station, built a small snack shop, and settled in for life in the East Texas Oil Field.