Restored early twentieth-century service station preserving the appearance and character of roadside automobile travel during the formative years of Route 66.
How to Get There
From Pontiac (19 mi): Follow Historic Route 66 south through rural Livingston County to Odell, then continue to West Street where the restored station stands along the original alignment of the Mother Road.
Overview
The Standard Oil Gas Station in Odell is one of the finest surviving examples of an early roadside filling station on Historic Route 66. Constructed in 1932 by Standard Oil of Indiana, the building reflects a period when automobile travel was rapidly transforming the American landscape and fueling the growth of small communities along the nation's highways. Designed in a domestic cottage style intended to make travelers feel welcome, the station features a distinctive brick exterior, original service bays, and architectural details that capture the appearance of roadside commerce during the Depression era.
After serving motorists for decades, the station was carefully restored through local preservation efforts and today stands as a centerpiece of Illinois Route 66 heritage. Visitors can view vintage gas pumps, period signage, and interpretive displays that illustrate how service stations evolved from simple fuel stops into essential travel centers for motorists crossing the country. The site offers an authentic glimpse into the early years of the automobile age and remains a favorite stop for photographers, history enthusiasts, and travelers tracing the path of America's most famous highway.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles, Route 66 preservation resources, and Illinois tourism materials for the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odell_StationStandard Oil Gas Station, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0.