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My father started in the business in 1920 at 42-44 Wooster Street in New Haven, then it was named Socony Gas. The gasoline price then was 18 cents per gallon. No federal tax and no state tax! As his sons, Louis and Andrew, we continued as gas station owners of our Mobil-Exxon station at 556 Main Street in East Haven.
In 1974 there was a gas shortage in the United States, as gasoline station owners, we had to wait 13 days for our next delivery. We placed this sign in front of our gas station at 556 Main Street, East Haven and it created a lot of smiles. Patience was the word of the day! The New Haven Register came and took a photo, shown above.
At one time, East Haven had twelve gas stations on Main Street, but due to redevelopment those gas stations closed. The A. Criscuolo and Sons was the last gas station standing on Main Street in East Haven for many years. Now we are retired. Below are the staff Jim Ward (body shop) Bill Levine, (mechanic) Andy Criscuolo, (owner) Lou Criscuolo, (owner) Joe Oswald (tow truck operator), Ed Maturo, (assistant to truck).
Tow Truck for the station
Above, left: Lou Criscuolo at the gas station at 556 Main Street, standing under his father's photograph and the Prayer of St. Francis. Right: A close-up of Mr. Criscuolo's father and the Prayer of St. Francis. The prayer was posted on his office wall next to the founder, Andrew Criscuolo. "We attribute to the prayer on the wall that my brother and I were protected by this good prayer and enjoyed the good relations with our customers"
The Prayer of St. Francis
Lord make me an instrument of Your Peace
Where there is hatred
Let me sow
love
Where there is injury
pardon
Where there is doubt
faith
Where there is despair
hope
Where there is Darkness
light
Where there is sadness
joy.
