Bridgeport Auto Company
In November 1909 William E Ridgley and Al Noonan established the Bridgeport Auto Company in a 20 x 40 ft building at 214 Washington Street Bridgeport, Illinois.
Following the practice of the day the gasoline pump was installed inside the building in the space occupied by the office. The tank was buried in the alley to the south and adjacent to the building. The pump was manually operated by turning a crank that brought up a gallon of gasoline discharging it into a glass bowl visible to the customer. The bowl was then emptied into a container and carried outside to the waiting car. When pumps were modernized to deliver the gasoline as well as measure it directly to the car, the firm moved its pump to the curb.
The firm sold Auburn and Regal automobiles. Tires were guaranteed for 3000 miles. Gasoline was ten cents a gallon.
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