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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Then and Now preview: Inland Empire Refineries

An old gas station sign advertises gasoline refined in Hillyard.
An old gas station sign advertises gasoline refined in Hillyard.

In the early 20th century, train travel gave way to private vehicles and trucks, and some land north of Hillyard's downtown became an oil refinery from the 1930s through the 1950s. Montana crude would be shipped to Hillyard and up to 25 million gallons was produced each year. Does anyone remember that era? The smell of the refinery? (Photo from oldgas.com)



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