The Complete Story
Located at the southern tip of the Williamsville bypass where it met the original 1926 Route 66 alignment, this Standard Oil service station was perfectly positioned to catch travelers from both old and new routes. Fran Finch built and operated the station starting in 1941, establishing it as a reliable fuel stop during Route 66's golden years.
In 1945, Wilbur Fawn purchased the station from Finch and expanded the business by adding a tow truck to the operation - a smart move that allowed him to assist the many motorists who broke down on the Mother Road. The station also had an adjacent Route 66 Cafe, now gone, that served travelers needing both fuel and food.
The building still stands today with its original two-door garage and three pump configuration visible. But when Interstate 55 was finally completed in 1976, cutting off the old US 66 alignments from major traffic, the writing was on the wall. Fawn's Service Station hung on for eight more years before finally closing in 1984 - one of the last Route 66 businesses in Williamsville to surrender to the interstate age.
Surprising Facts You Didn't Know
→ Strategically located where the 1940 bypass met the original 1926 Route 66 alignment - could serve BOTH routes
→ Owner Wilbur Fawn added a tow truck to rescue stranded Route 66 motorists
→ Had an adjacent Route 66 Cafe (now gone) for a complete fuel-and-food stop
→ Survived 8 years after I-55 opened in 1976, finally closing in 1984
→ The three-pump configuration and two-door garage are still visible today
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit Fawn's Service Station
✓ You Can Visit Today
Address: 500 S. Old Route 66, Williamsville, IL 62693
What's There Now: Abandoned station building with two-door garage - structure still standing but not in use
GPS Coordinates: 39.9919114, -89.512575
Photo Tip: Best photographed in early morning or late afternoon when the Illinois light brings out the building's character.
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