Soulsby’s Service Station in Mt. Olive

Soulsby’s Route 66 Shell Service Station is the oldest, most original station (along the route in Illinois) that has not been completely rebuilt. In 1926 Henry Soulsby opened his gas station on what was the far western edge of Mt. Olive. He intended to capitalize on the opening of the nation’s first transnational highway U.S. Route 66. However, the road took a different route than Soulsby anticipated. But four years later, Route 66 was relocated and zipped right in front of his station. A handful of volunteers turned the roadside distraction into a roadside attraction re-creating the Soulsby’s of the l950’s with sunshine yellow pumps and matching yellow and red stripes along the base of the small landmark. Soulsby Service Station is also in the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame. The station is a frequent stop for many visitors from the U.S. and foreign countries.

Soulsby’s Service Station
710 West First Street (Old Route 66)
Mt. Olive, IL 62069
(217) 999-4261
http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/route66