KOTV in Tulsa has a short article about a vintage Phillips 66 gas station in downtown being restored to its former appearance, including photos.
The Vickery Phillips 66 station is located at 602 S. Elgin Ave. It’s going to be converted into a rental-car business. In September 2006, it was awarded a grant from the Route 66 Corrodor Preservation Program to help fix up the property.
I’m doubtful about this factoid in the TV station’s report, however:
Only four examples of this style of gas station are left standing.
There’s a nicely restored one in Chandler, Okla., less than 100 miles away. There’s another one in Cuba, Mo. There’s one in McLean, Texas. Another one is in Creston, Iowa. That’s five. A quick Google search found a similar structure in Kansas. I’m sure there are more.
Unless there are some finer points about the Tulsa cottage-style Phillips 66 station that I’m missing, I find it hard to believe there are just four left. I suspect there are a few dozen, scattered across the country.
There are several that have had rooms tacked onto the back of them, so that they no longer look exactly like they did, but they are standing … and recognizable. Can’t think of the locations offhand, but it seems like I pass at least a couple every time I drive down an unfamiliar road. I believe there’s one in Collinsville, Ill., and another in Marissa.
RE: only four of this type of resource still in existence. Not the cottage, but the detached service building. You are correct, there are several dozen of the cottages left, but only a handful of the service buildings. What’s cool is that the car rental company will use the service bays for exactly their original purpose — servicing cars.
I like to motorcycle tour and Route 66 is of special interest. Especially the old Phillips 66 stations with the high pitch roof and chimney. You state there are four remaining. I am trying to find where all of them may be even if only recognizeable by the shape.
I know of two here in OKC that are of this category but I just recently saw a very nicely restored one in Noel, MO. I realize these are not on Route 66 but maybe someone else is interested in all and not just Route 66.
Thanks
If I had your email I could send a picture
Theres another in Salina Kansas on 9th street near the railroad tracks.
It appears to be abandoned but in good shape.
I know or a Vintage Phillips Service Station in a small town. The owner has died and I am a native of that town and am interested in learning more about resoration and grants as I want to return it to its original “look” Can you help me. I will search country records and see if I can find out more about who might own it I believe the structure is sound. .
I just stumbled upon this after posting pictures of another of these in Tulsa… not the one in the article, but one at 18th St & S. Baltimore. That’s due south of downtown proper. Check out the pics at Flickr:https://www.flickr.com/photos/citizenkerr/2606347398/in/photostream/