After two weather-related delays, volunteers with the Oklahoma Route 66 Association on Saturday put a new coat of paint on the Allen’s Fillin’ Station in Commerce, Oklahoma.
Here are before-and-after images and other photos of the historic gas station on an old alignment of Route 66 through town.
The owner, Bobby Allen, posted more photos and a grateful message:
And here’s a short video about the cleanup day:
The association stated in a blog post that several people from out of state helped in the effort.
Special thanks to Elijah Redden, Mayor of Commerce, for his invaluable help. Not only did he help secure some supplies from the Commerce Fire Department, but he didn’t mind climbing way up on the ladder to paint the trim! We also want to give a shout-out to the Abandoned Atlas Foundation, who donated to help buy water and supplies for our volunteers. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this project a success.
Allen announced last summer he was putting the property up for sale. Allen said he was prompted to sell because of the death of his wife, Linda, 65. The Allens had used the station as a small souvenir shop and photo op for years.
The station originally was a Conoco when it was built in 1929 or 1930, then became a Phillips 66 station during the late 1930s. It’s been known as the “Hole in the Wall Conoco Station” for years.
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Looks good!