Gas Up at the Stinker

Stinker Stations have been around Idaho since the 1930s. It’s a gas station chain started by a man with a keen sense of humor - the skunk used to be the big star. The skunk has taken more of a background role since the chain was sold, and since the chain became affiliated with Sinclair. The chains also used to use Burma Shave-style roadside signs for promotion – with sayings something like “Nudist Camp – keep your eyes on the road,” and there would be cutouts of discarded clothing nearby, and maybe a naked mannequin. A recent bus bench banner for Stinker Stations here in Boise said “If you think no one cares, miss a payment.” Stinker was one of the first stations to offer bio-fuels.