Sights and sites in Schenectady County during the 1960s included full-service gas stations and laundry businesses.
Dom Gallo opened a new flower shop on Broadway, and salesmen moved real estate and automobiles at Girard Realty and Schenectady Plymouth, both on State Street.
One of the marvels of the age was the massive “Permette” dry cleaning machine at the Speed Wash in on Glen Avenue in Scotia. The “Permette” could be filled with coats, sweaters, blankets, dresses and other fabrics. The coin-operated machine dry-washed 12 pounds for $2. “Most items of clothing can be worn immediately after cleaning without pressing!!!” raved the large sign on the machine.
Another marvel was the new ambulance Niskayuna’s Fire District 1 put on the road. Long and lean with a huge engine compartment, the emergency vehicle was designed to get injured people to doctors and nurses quick.
Full-service gas stations have dropped in number. At one time, people saw the yellow “Shell” on Erie Boulevard and knew they could fill up on oil and gasoline.
The site is used for different kinds of fill-ups now. The old Shell station — later used as a dry cleaning business — is now home to Wolff’s Biergarten. Instead of Super Shell, Franziskaner, Paulaner and Weihenstephaner are now among the fuels of choice.
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