I'm not sure about the history of the building before Dukes, maybe Brian or one of the other members can help you out. On the gas pumps, I can't speak for the US, but here in Ireland it's not uncommon to see gas pumps outside rural pubs, although they're not all still in use and are starting to disappear - here's one not far from where I live. Some small villages have a pub, small grocery shop and gas pumps all in one business. My favorite combination (which I've seen more than once) is pub, liquor store and funeral parlor . Considering all the driving, and the poor gas mileage they must have got, it's a wonder that you didn't see more people constantly filling their cars.