Several years ago, I was enroute to OSH in my PA-11. First day I got to southern Minnesota. Stopped at 6 o’clock at a fairly large airport. They were locking up, and no card lock system.
So, I looked at the chart and not far was Waseca, MN. Former home of Herter’s Worlds Finest! I remembered hours perusing their catalogs as a kid. So, off I went.
I arrived, pulled up to the pumps, and noted a padlock on the pumps…..dang! So, went inside used the restroom and looked around. Nothing locked up, offices open, etc. Found a sign that said “Call this number if you need gas after hours.” I did. Guy answered and said he was at his grandson’s baseball game, so couldn’t come out. I said I was spending the night, so could fuel in the AM. Nope, he was leaving town early…..
So, he told me where the key to the pumps was, and told me to leave a note on his desk with my name and address and the amount of gas I took.. I asked how I’d pay…he said he’d send me a bill.
I topped off (with auto gas, they have car gas and 100LL) left a note, spent the night in a hotel nearby, and when I got home there was a bill from Waseca…..cheapest gas of the trip.
ive tried to stop there if practical since. And they’re always friendly. But no more Herter’s Worlds Finest…..dang!
MTV