Here’s a scoop from the December newsletter of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association: A couple have purchased the historic “half-building” on Route 66 in Commerce, Okla., will restore it to its original filling-station look, and turn it into a gift and snack shop.
The building is on the southeast corner of Commerce and Main streets (map here). This is on the older Route 66 alignment that goes through downtown Commerce. It’s at a T-intersection where westbound Route 66 travelers have to turn south.
Bobby and Linda Allen of Peoria Mini Storage and Tire Service in nearby Peoria, Okla., bought the building. They plan to restore it to its old filling-station appearance, complete with gas pumps. It will be called Allens 66 Fillin’ Station. It will open in the spring “at the latest.”
I talked to Bobby Allen by phone today. He said he’s leaning to restoring it as a Phillips 66 station. But if he ever figures out what brand the station originally sold, he might go to that.
He said that locals who’ve lived in Commerce for 50, 60 years say the station has been there for as long as they remember, but don’t recall what brand of gasoline it sold. If anyone knows anything, pass it along here and I’ll make sure Bobby gets it.
Bobby also told me that the attached building contains four master bedrooms. If the business does well enough, they might eventually turn it into a bed-and-breakfast operation.
UPDATE 12/7/07: Michael Taylor at the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program tells me that it’s been documented as a Conoco cottage-style gas station, built in 1929 or 1930 by F.D. Mitchell.
hi Sounds like a great idea!
Where can I get a post card like the one here?