History of John J. Tokheim
The following article is printed with permission from Petroleum Collectibles Monthly. http://www.pcmpublishing.com/index.html
Scott Anderson
In this month's article on vintage
gasoline pumps, I will take an in depth look at the history of John J.
Tokheim, and The Tokheim Manufacturing Co. of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In an
effort to maintain the privacy of the Tokheim family, I will not mention
the specific names of the family members who provided me with the
historical background information used in this article.
In the summer of 1991, I received a telephone call from a nice lady in
Cedar Rapids, Iowa who identified herself as the niece of John J.
Tokheim's daughter. She explained to me that she and her cousin were
putting together an historical display in Cedar Rapids, Iowa dedicated to
the memory of their ancestor, John J. Tokheim, known as "J.J."
by his family and friends.
I was aware that The Tokheim Pump Co. had originated in Cedar Rapids, IA,
and at the time I was very interested in the history of all known Iowa
gasoline pump manufacturers. Little did I know that I would soon be given
an opportunity of a lifetime. After reading my book, Check The Oil, the
nieces decided that I should become involved in their "family"
project and they invited me to Cedar Rapids for a personal visit. Upon
arriving, I was truly astounded at what was waiting for me.
After meeting with the nieces, I was
asked if I would like to meet the daughter of J. J. Tokheim in person. A
little surprised by their question, I, of course, answered yes and the
next thing I knew I was interviewing J.J. Tokheim's daughter, Agnes, in
her nursing home. She was in her nineties at the time and she was very
sharp and articulate. We talked for one half hour and enjoyed some great
conversation about her father, the history of The Tokheim Company and the
gasoline pump industry in general. Towards the end of our conversation she
asked me if I could find an original Tokheim gasoline pump that was
manufactured by her father, purchase it and restore it for her family's
museum that was being built at a local historical park.
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Printed with permission from pcmpublishing.com 2005