CASPER, Wyo. — An auto industry is shutting down the pumps after more than 50 years in business.
Old Town Pump, located at 701 W. Collins, will close permanently on Friday, Nov. 1, after its final business day on Thursday, Oct. 31.
Current owner John Huff purchased the business from original owner Don Benz about 10 years ago. In a message to Oil City News, Huff said changes to how wholesalers make purchases in 2022 mean they can no longer sell gas profitably. Customers will pay for their gas on Monday, October 28, 2024, the final week of operation at the Old Town Pump in Casper. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)
Don Benz opened this location in 1969 under the name Benz Eager Beaver Oil Company. According to newspaper archives, it underwent extensive renovations in 1977 and reopened a few months later as the Benz Town Pump. In the mid-2000s, Don built a large automatic car wash on-site that could handle commercial-sized vehicles. After being purchased by Hough, it was renamed Old Town Pump and became one of the last locally owned gas stations in Casper.
On Monday, customers offered their condolences to staff at a local gas station known for selling affordable, fresh popcorn and personalized service.
Donnell Alexander, a longtime patron, said he was shocked and saddened when he learned of the closure the day before.
Old Town Pump provided ethanol-free gasoline. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)
“I’ve been coming here for at least 20 years,” she said. “Long before that, my parents were coming here when they moved.” [to Casper] It was when I was a child. ”
She regularly stops by the station after dropping off her children at nearby Dean Morgan Middle School and appreciates the station’s signature ethanol-free gasoline selection.
“It’s been here for as long as I can remember, and I knew it would always be here,” she said.
Original owner Don Benz said in a phone interview with Oil City News that he was saddened to hear of the closure. “I’m kind of disappointed because it’s been a big part of my life for 48 years,” he said.
When Mr. Benz moved to Casper after his military service, he rented a mobile station on CY Avenue and started a retail fuel business. He operated the station for several years before purchasing land in Collins and starting his own business.
“We were very blessed,” he said. “We’ve had great business here, and John [Huff] The first few years went very well. ”
