EDITOR’S NOTE: Kenny Libben is the curator of the Cleo Redd Fisher Museum in Loudonville. More information on Loudonville’s history can be found at the museum’s Facebook page.
LOUDONVILLE — Sohio (Standard Oil Company of Ohio) was founded in 1911 after the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the breakup of John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil monopoly.
Originally established in 1870, Standard Oil had grown into the world’s largest oil company, controlling nearly 90% of U.S. oil refining and distribution before being deemed an illegal trust.
Based in Cleveland, Sohio became a major player in the petroleum industry, pioneering advancements in refining, marketing, and service stations across Ohio. It was known for its innovative gasoline blends and expansive retail network.
In Loudonville, the Sohio Service Station 2811 dated to the 1950s.
In 1978, British Petroleum (BP) acquired a controlling interest in Sohio, eventually rebranding all Sohio stations under the BP name by 1991, marking the end of the Sohio brand.
Pictured here are the employees of Loudonville’s Sohio Service in the summer of 1957.
Pictured here in front of the station are:
Front (from left): John Tope, Wilbur Taylor.
Back (from left): Murray Brecheisen, Stanley Carpenter, Clarence Benuller.
These were the friendly faces that kept Loudonville fueled up and running in the golden age of the service station.
Whether it was a full tank, an oil check, or a quick windshield wipe, they were always ready to help.