In operation from 1904 to 1931, Western Oil Pump & Tank Co. was founded by Albert Wichman. In 1915, Albert passed away at the age of 80. Henry J Wichman, Albert’s son, took over as president of Western Oil for the remaining years. In 1931, Western Oil closed their doors for good, auctioning off their remaining assets.

Western Oil Pumps were distributed nationwide in their 30 years of operation.

Western Oil Pump & Tank Co. advertised “Gasoline storage tanks of every description, mounted with Western non-evaporative self-measuring pumps, built to order by the Western Oil Pump Co., 2437 Kosciusko st., St. Louis, Mo.” in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch as early as 1905.

Western Oil Pump Co built to order pumps in St louis mo

Article from Oct 29, 1905 St. Louis Post-Dispatch (St. Louis, Missouri)

In 1910, Western Oil Pump & Tank Co expanded, opening a second branch in Automobile Row, at 3919 Olive Street helmed by C. G. Holt. Western Oil pumps were also distributed by Beacon Visible Pump Co., based in Louisville, Kentucky.

Western Oil Pump & Tank Co. Expands in 1910

Article from Mar 13, 1910 St. Louis Post-Dispatch (St. Louis, Missouri) undefined

By May of 1931, Western Oil Pump & Tank Co had shut down and their remaining stock was auctioned off, as well as manufacturing equipment, office equipment, and their vehicles.

Western Oil Liquidation Auction in 1931

Article from May 24, 1931 St. Louis Post-Dispatch (St. Louis, Missouri) undefined

For a snippet of life from the time, the owner of Western Oil, H J Wichman, enjoyed making terrariums with his wife. Despite this extensive article, her name is not mentioned once.

H.J. Wichman and wife enjoy terrarium hobby

Article from Dec 14, 1931 The St. Louis Star and Times (St. Louis, Missouri) undefined

After closing Western Oil Pump & Tank Co, Henry and his wife Rhoda began a flower shop which they ran for 26 years in Webster Grove, Missouri.