The South's Hidden Treasures: Unique Gas Stations, Says This Photographer
These roadside stops have always caught Medley's eye as she traveled around the American South. She discovered that they play a crucial role in both urban and rural areas, providing an array of goods and services that go beyond the simple offerings such as coffee and hot dogs. From crawfish etouffeée, tamales, Cajun-style bánh mì, to all-you-can-eat barbecue, or even a country ham for purchase with cigarettes, they offer diverse and unexpected delights.
Although ignored due to their perceived transient nature, these quick stops can be lifelines for the communities they serve and provide a platform for those striving for the all-American Dream. In fact, it was reported in 2013 that 61% of all fueling stations in the U.S. are independently owned by immigrants.
Curious about the role these spaces play, Medley wanted to delve deeper. "Increasingly, as I traveled, I felt there was a large void in scholarly work that didn't take these places seriously," she explained during a phone call. "The people who work there, the food they're cooking, the community they're creating - it's an integral part of being Southern. I see it as crucial to the identity of our region."
The result of this exploration is "Thank You Please Come Again," a collection of 200 stunning images from 150 gas stations and quick stops around the South. It was published last year as a book and is currently the subject of Medley's first museum exhibition at the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson, her hometown.
For a decade, Medley captured these images during her travels. Initially, she took photos while on assignment, later shifting her focus to these unique gas stations. Each of them, with their distinctive curation, highlights the uniqueness of these hidden gems.
The excitement of these places comes from the element of surprise. The moment you step through the little glass door and hear a jingle, you wonder what to expect: what will be inside, what will it smell like, and who will be there today?
From Saint Louis Saveurs in Greensboro, North Carolina, a Senegalese food kiosk in the back of a Circle K, to Icebox in Hammond, Louisiana, an Indian buffet in a gas station, these Oasis-like buildings have something captivating.
Take, for instance, the Hammond-based Icebox, which offers a full Indian buffet next to the traditional convenience store goods. The owners of this Punjabi dhaba decided to capitalize on the high demand from long-haul truckers, many of whom hail from India, positioning it at an intersection on two interstates.
Despite their charming traditions, these little gems face many challenges - including the rising competition from large chains. Medley mentioned one struggling gas station in Elaine, Arkansas, whose pumps have been discontinued, and whose grocery shelves are looking empty. The owner bought this space to offer hot food every day to farmworkers who give him a steady income. Even in rural areas with declining populations, these small businesses demonstrate a resilient spirit, often reinventing themselves to stay afloat.
In one such case, Pops Gas Station in Banner, Mississippi, Jeff Poynor, the owner, emphasized the crucial role his business plays for the surrounding community. He pointed to a regular customer who'd come for a lunch plate. "Since his wife died last year, he eats at Pop's for breakfast, lunch, and dinner," Poynor said.
Their transformative spirit is another reason for Medley's fascination with these roadside stops. Some have had to adapt just to survive. Gone are the Slim Jims and Red Bulls; now you'll find a little nightclub in one or a ham-curing enterprise that ships across the country. Medley argues that their ability to adapt is their strength. Even though the future is uncertain with electric vehicles, self-driving cars, or other changes, she believes these buildings will persist, and entrepreneurs will continue to innovate and make them work.
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The unique style of these gas stations often reflects the cultural backgrounds of their owners, as seen with the Indian buffet at Hammond's Icebox. (unique style)
Moreover, these gas stations serve as platforms for showcasing various arts, such as the Senegalese food served at Saint Louis Saveurs in Greensboro attached to a Circle K. (arts)
Source: edition.cnn.com
