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.
There were 8 brothers. Jose "Pepito" Cisneros died at the age of 10 from a ruptured appendix.
ReplyDeleteTrue
DeleteThe man sitting in his car is Ernesto C. Cisneros.
ReplyDeleteI'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
ReplyDeleteI 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”.
ReplyDelete