In anticipation of the new WPT documentary, Fill 'Er Up: The Glory Days of Wisconsin Gas Stations, we spoke with Jim Draeger, an architectural historian with WPT's producing partner -- the Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS). The mp3 podcast conversation can be downloaded here and can be enjoyed on your personal computer or loaded onto your personal mp3 player for on-the-go listening. You can also subscribe to our regular podcasts via iTunes by clicking here.
Draeger is an important part of the program, which premieres on WPT at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 12. He also is authoring a companion book that will be released next year.
In our interview, Draeger spoke about the development of his interest in classic roadside architecture, the evolution of the shapes and styles of the businesses and the work that is being done to preserve the few remaining historic gas stations.
You can find the program video and more enhanced program information on the official Web site. More information about the history of gas stations can be found at the WHS Web Site.
