“Yes, we have no bananas.” So went the 1923 novelty song by Frank Silver and Irving Cohn. But on Fourth Street it’s all about no gas. The electronic price board is black. Image: Steve Lunde
Don’t let your tank run low downtown
WINONA, Minn. – The last downtown Winona gas station closed with no explanation except a sign on the front door thanking customers for their patronage. The nearest fueling station now is Gordie’s Minnoco eight blocks away on Huff Street and a Kwik Trip a bit farther down Huff at on Sarnia. The closed station, at 217 Johnson Street, was branded most recently for BP products. For years its claim to fame was being the last Winona station to have an attendant on duty to fill you up. In those days the station was owned by Erickson Oil of Hudson, Wisconsin, under the its Freedom Valu Center chain banner. There also was a Subway sandwich shop on premises. The latest owner was the CST Brands convenience store chain, which is a subsidiary of Pennsylvania-based CrossAmerica Partners.
Sister station
The Freedom Valu Center gas station and convenience store remains in business at 920 Mankato Avenue across from the hospital. It sells BP products. A Subway is sandwich is on premises.