On what is now Oporto-Madrid Blvd.  Looking south as Oporto curves past the western perimeter of Eastwood Mall.  Visible in both pictures, 33 years apart, is the McDonald's golden arches.  The Texaco "Big Green Cleaning Machine" -- which marked its grand opening in August 1972 -- is still a car wash, although now it's a BP station.  However, parts of the old giant Texaco three-post sign remain ... ditto for the old Kentucky Fried Chicken building next door.

The American station in the '72 photo is now a Walgreen's.  And, yes, there were two Texaco stations in close proximity of one another way back when.  The Texaco at the corner of Oporto and Montclair still operates.

And I'll ruin your day by reminding you that back in 1972, a gallon of gas was just 32.9 cents.
 

August 1972

September 2005

1972 photo courtesy of Dixie Neon Company archive
2005 photo by Russell Wells

10/01/2005 -- 1029 PM EDT