Penn Valley in Nevada County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Convenience Comes to the South Yuba River
Historic Shell Gas Station
Photographed by Craig Baker
1. Convenience Marker
Alfred Kneebone operated his gas station and store from May 12, 1927 until about 1944.
The store provided supplies for families staying in the rental cabins of Kneebone's Bridgeport Pleasure Resort, which featured a swimming beach, dining hall and a dance pavilion. Soft drinks, beer, fruit, milk, eggs, meat, vegetables, ice cream, candy, and household goods were kept in stock. Alfred's daughter Alfrieda recalls riding in the back of the family's 1½ ton Chevrolet truck to Marysville where they purchased food and ice.
The gas station building also included a garage used for storage, a gold smelter, and a cold storage room, where ice kept the produce, milk, and meat fresh. Later a Kohler generator was installed in the generator/separator building (next to the Visitor Center). The generator provided electricity to operate a refrigeration system in the cold room. Gas, oil, and automotive supplies were kept on hand for needy motorists.
Erected by South Yuba River State Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is May 12, 1927.
Location. 39° 17.498′ N, 121° 11.69′ W. Marker is in Penn Valley, California, in Nevada County. It
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Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Bridgeport Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); The Barn (within shouting distance of this marker); Bridgeport Bridge (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Bridgeport Bridge (about 500 feet away); The First Long Distance Telephone (approx. 2 miles away); Birchville (approx. 3.7 miles away); Jacob Van Blaren (approx. 3.8 miles away); Anthony House and Ranch (approx. 4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Penn Valley.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Bridgeport (Nyes Crossing) Covered Bridge (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Craig Baker
2. Convenience Marker and Gas Station
Credits. This page was last revised on August 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 153 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 25, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
