Remember Full Service Gas Stations? There Are a Few Left in Maine

When I got my driver's license in 1986 and inherited my grandfather's old beat-up Ford F-100, I didn't pump gas when I needed to fill up. That was around the beginning of the end for most full-service gas stations in Maine and across the country.

Before self-service gas pumps and swiping your card at the pump, an attendant came out to fill your tank for you. They'd top you off, wash the windshield, and check under the hood for a look at the oil and anything else that might be wrong. Except for the gas, all of this was free. The gas was at an average of 93 cents a gallon.

Today, nearly all gas stations are self-serve and most are owned by convenience stores or travel plazas along the highway. Finding that full-service station that not only sells gas but does repair work on your car in their garage, is a challenge.

I started to do some searching on the internet to find gas stations that still have full-service pumps, but it was a challenge. If you're an old-school driver who would prefer to have your gas pumped for you, here are some stations in Maine that can do that for you. This list is by no means complete, but if you know of any others, let us know!

J.P Carroll Fuel Company - Washington Street, Limerick

J.P Carroll has been in business since 1916 and family owned the entire time. They will be happy to pump your gas for you. 

MacDonald’s Gas Full Service Garage - 37 Saco Ave, Old Orchard Beach

The name says it all. MacDonald's Full Service Garage and they'll pump your gas too. Go grab something in their convenience store while they fill you up.

Colby & Gale Service Station - 105 Main St - Damariscotta

Colby & Gale is a locally run family-owned business and this little service shop and gas station near the Damariscotta River will also pump your gas for you and even say so on their gas price sign.

Doc’s Place (Doc Daigle Oil Company) - 6 Locations

If you're looking for full-service gas, Doc's Place is the place. On their website they say "We pride ourselves in providing good old-fashioned full service at our locations, a dying practice in most areas, but not with DOC. Our neatly uniformed attendants will pump your gas, wash your windshield, and even check your oil so you don’t have to get out of your vehicle." Impressive. You'll find Doc's Place in Fort Kent, Madawaska, Caribou, Presque Isle, Houlton, and Bangor.