Haffner’s Gas Station – “It Kicks!” – Lowell, MA

We were recently driving through Lowell Mass attempting to eat lunch in a vintage diner, but they all seem to close at 2pm. Boo!

But we DID pass this fun sign - part of a local gas station chain - Haffner's, started in 1925 (and a 4th generation owned family business.) This location is on Dutton Street, right before you get to the Club Diner (which was actually closed when we pulled up at 1:45, harrumph!)

Even though we could not see it in the daylight, I'm pretty danged sure that this is an animated neon sign, with the donkey/mule "kicking" because - Haffner's "It Kicks!"

I also love how it says Gasoline instead of just plain ol' gas. And who doesn't love a yellow directional arrow with chaser lights? No one. No one does not love that. ;-)

DETOUR - Memory Lane, heading towards Lawrence, Mass.

As I typed this I was reminded that I had snapped a photo of a Haffner's in Lawrence MA a good 20+ years ago, and how I was Retro Roadmapping before I even invented Retro Roadmap.

Through the use of modern technology, I have discovered that this location is still a Haffner's on Broadway in Lawrence Mass, but Sadly looks nothing like it did back then.

Being the Art History Gal that I am, I recognized the triangle windows on the church on the far left:

The "drill" marks on the granite post in the extreme right front also show I was looking at the right place.

At least the Haffner's on 262 Lawrence Street in Lawrence retains it's vintage appeal!

And Haffner's Car Wash Signs, even though they're backlit plastic, still have a touch of mid-century modern flair- with the jaunty script and multicolored bubbles. (check out this link to the one in Tewkesbury)

So if you're in Lowell and need gas - get to Haffner's  - it kicks! Or heck, go to any one of their locations, they're a local Merrimack Valley family owned business, not a giant international conglomerate :-)