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Austin Permits: Taxis and Sidewalk Gas Pumps

Monday, January 6, 1919 special called
  • The city approved numerous "public service car" licenses for early auto operators, similar to modern taxi or ride-share permits, including one valid for five years.
  • A permit was granted for installing a gasoline tank under a sidewalk and a curb-side gas pump, signaling the growth of automotive infrastructure in the city.
  • Strict regulations were set for the new gas pump, including mandatory evening illumination with a 40-watt light and specific rules for neatly coiling and storing hoses when not in use.

Full Transcript

115 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL: Austin, Texas, Jan. 6, 1919. There were laid before the Council, and granted by a vote of Denied A.L. Given. 5 years, no nays, the following applications for public service car licenses John Kreuz, RFD 2, Box 71, Austin, Reo car No. 132355; A. L. Givens, 103 West Seventh street, Buick, No. 233404; " " " " " " " " " " " " " Studebaker, No. 28413; " " " " " " " " " " " " " " No. 132066. January 8, 1919. There were laid before the Council, and granted by a vote of 5 yeas, no nays, the following applications for public service car licenses: J. M. Braden, Driskill Hotel, Jordan sedan, No. 194809; J. C. Cooper, 1410 East Sixth street, Ford sedan, No. 190326; J. F. Richardson, 822 West 10th street, Overland, No. 177175; Joe Oyervides, 103 West Seventh street, Reo, No. 132641; " " " " " " " " " " " " " No. 190383; " " " " " " " " " " " " " Cadillac, No. 132573; " " " " " " " " " " " " " Reo, No. 132664; George Fiegel, Jr., 606 Guadalupe street, Ford, No. 233454; Denied A.J. Fiegel. John E. Dittlinger, 310 East Third street, Ford, No. 131832; " " " " " " " " " " " " " Ford, No. 289023; " " " " " " " " " " " " " Ford, No. 289181. The Mayor laid before the Council the following resolution: BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS: W.A.J. Dempsey Jank Permit That a permit is hereby granted to W. A. J. Dempsey to install and maintain a gasoline tank to be approved by the Superintendent of Police and Public Safety under the sidewalk in front of No. 107 East Ninth street in the City of Austin, Texas, and BE IT RESOLVED FURTHER: That in connection with this gasoline tank hereby authorized to be installed by the said W. A. J. Dempsey, he is likewise authorized to install and maintain a Bowser gasoline pump to be located at the curb line in front of No. 107 East Ninth street in a position to be designated by the Superintendent of Streets and Public Improvements, said gasoline pump to be of the most modern and approved construction and design and subject to the approval of the Superintendent of Police and Public Safety, and BE IT RESOLVED FURTHER: That the said W. A. J. Dempsey shall install and maintain at the top of and upon the gasoline pump hereby authorized an electric light of not less than 40 watt power and placed in a globe of not less than ten inches in diameter, which electric light must be kept illuminated notless than three hours daily between the hours of six and twelve o'clock P. M., during the existence of this permit, and BE IT RESOLVED FURTHER: That the hose through which air, water, gasoline or any other oil or volatile substance is conveyed by pumping or otherwise from the storehouse at No. 107 East Ninth street, or from the pump hereby authorized to be placed in front of same, must be kept, when not in actual use, neatly coiled and stored in a receptacle provided for such hose in the pump authorized to be installed, or suspended from a suitable bracket attached to the pump, and BE IT RESOLVED FURTHER: That the work under this resolution authorized to be installed