Monday, May 25, 2015

1955 Rocket Gas Stations in the RGV

 Grand re-Opening in March 1955.  Photo:  Nora Vasquez Ernesto C. Cisneros is the man sitting in the car getting gas at his station at 5th & West Elizabeth according to his daughter Cecilia Cisneros
January 1, 1950
 Antonio Cisneros Sr had seven sons.  Antonio Jr and Ernesto owned the family business which began in in the 1930’s from a corner market and majority of businesses on the block which was sold with capital moved toward the expansion in the oil business.  As the sons aged each took a role in the family businesses which operated seven gas stations.  Antonio Jr. eventually took over operations and Ernesto bought half of the company after he returned from World War II.

October 1, 1952
 They added more stations over time.
October 1, 1952
The Cisneros family owned trucks that delivered fuel and canned their own brand of motor oil.  Fuel was purchased locally from McBride Refinery at Elsa and Port Fuel Company at Brownsville.
March 3, 1955
To celebrate the opening of new refurbished stations Cisneros Oil Company offered four gallons of Rocket gasoline free with purchase of 5 gallons of gasoline and 5 quarts of motor oil.  Free gifts were also given for a four day period from October 2 to 6, 1952.  Gifts included key chains for men, hose mending kits for women, special “Rocket” balloons for children and free cold drinks for everyone.
Cisneros Rocket “Courtesy Cards” were credit cards you could use to purchase fuel, oil, batteries and other automotive supplies on credit.

5 comments:

  1. There were 8 brothers. Jose "Pepito" Cisneros died at the age of 10 from a ruptured appendix.

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  2. The man sitting in his car is Ernesto C. Cisneros.

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  3. I'm family to the Cisneros my Tio's, and my great grand father Antonio Sr. My name is Ernesto Cisneros, Raul Cisneros is my grandfather and my dad's name George Cisneros were from San Antonio, Texas my father is always telling me about the 1955 Rocket gas station's. I wish I could've been there. God bless

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  4. I recall the Rocket service station on North Texas in Weslaco. I also recall radio and television ads with a catchphrase, “Fill up with Rocket and pocket the difference”.

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