Wichita, KS

Established as Crouse Pump Co. in 1910, Emory Crouse developed a glass bowl dispenser for gas pumps. By 1917, Crouse employed several men to build the pumps and the business expanded quickly.

In 1920, The Clear Vision Pump Co. moved into a new building on East Harry Street and employed two hundred men.

Clear Vision Pump Co

Article from Mar 28, 1924 The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kansas) undefined

Early advertisements for Clear Vision Pumps appear in 1918. These pumps were the first to display the gas in a clear, transparent bowl. The gas was then gravity fed directly into the car.

Clear Vision Pump Co. advertisement

Article from Sep 28, 1918 The Price Current (Wichita, Kansas) undefined

In 1918, Clear Vision also ran advertisements inviting prospective customers to view their pumps in operation, one at 567 W. Douglas in Wichita and the second at Golden Rule Filling Station also in Wichita.

Clear Vision Pump Co First Installs in 1918

Article from Apr 9, 1918 The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kansas) undefined

By 1919, Clear Vision was offering 10 gallon pumps.

Clear Vision Pump Co offering 10 gallon clear vision pumps

Article from Sep 27, 1919 The Wichita Beacon (Wichita, Kansas) undefined

The Clear Vision Pump Co also went by a few other names, especially locally where Crouse Co was already established. In this 1922 article, the business is expanding and building their own foundry to make castings for the pumps.

Also, if a girl wants roses in her cheeks, nothing beats the rouge-pot like five minutes with a pair of dumbbells!

Crouse Pump Co 1922

Article from Nov 12, 1922 The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kansas) undefined

Clear Vision Pump Co grows rapidly

Article from Dec 25, 1922 The Wichita Beacon (Wichita, Kansas) undefined

Clear Vision was in good company in Wichita, operating along side Hayes Equipment, Wichita Visible Pump, and others.

Clear Vision and other Pump Companies in Wichita

Article from Sep 25, 1921 The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kansas) undefined

Unfortunately, Clear Vision was not pleased with the competition and filed suit against Wichita Visible as well as Hayes Equipment.

Clear Vision Sues Wichita Visible

Article from Sep 24, 1922 The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kansas) undefined

Clear Vision Advertisement

Article from Oct 4, 1922 The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kansas) undefined

In 1923, Clear Vision has plans to establish a rest area of sorts for tourists to the Wichita area which will offer free air and water for motorists. Gasoline would be dispensed at the regular price from eight visible pumps and there will be free use of a wash house, showers, and rest room.

Clear Vision Pump Co establishes rest area for tourists

Article from Aug 21, 1923 The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kansas) undefined

In 1924, Clear Vision was involved in patent litigation with Hayes Equipment, also based in Wichita. By 1927, the case was finally resolved, with the court of appeals ruling in favor of Hayes Equipment.

Clear Vision in legal battle with Hayes Equipment

Article from Oct 19, 1927 The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kansas) undefined

In 1927, Clear Vision was planning an expansion to California, a previously difficult market to break into.

Clear Vision Looking to Expand to California

Article from Apr 24, 1927 The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kansas) undefined

In 1935, shop foreman and relative of Clear Vision’s owner, Edwin Crouse, was reported missing. Once word reached Edwin that he was missing, he telegraphed his wife that he would be home and that he had gone to Albuquerque.

Edwin Crouse reported missing

Article from Feb 5, 1935 The Wichita Beacon (Wichita, Kansas) undefined

Edwin Crouse found

Article from Feb 6, 1935 The Wichita Beacon (Wichita, Kansas) undefined

In 1937, Clear Vision Pump Co was acquired by Hayes Equipment.

Clear Vision and Hayes Equipment merge

Article from Aug 27, 1937 The Wichita Beacon (Wichita, Kansas) undefined