The Complete Story
In February 1957, Dan and Helen Lambert opened their first business - a Standard Oil service station at the corner of Broadway and Theodore in Joliet. Little did they know they were starting a family legacy that would span nearly seven decades and outlast Route 66 itself.
The original 1957 building was torn down in 1982 when Standard Oil (now Amoco) introduced the first fuel pumper for the Joliet area, featuring three fuel islands and a tiny 120-square-foot bullet-resistant kiosk. In 1993, Dan and Helen sold the business to their sons Jim and Terry, who expanded it with a fourth fuel island, 2,000-square-foot convenience store, and car wash.
Today, son Terry Lambert has transformed the station into Lambert 1957 Mobil & Convenience Store, embracing its Route 66 heritage. A giant mural on the north wall recreates what the original Standard station looked like in the 1950s, and the interior features a photo collage documenting the station's transformation over the decades. The sign on the facade proudly proclaims: 'Thank you for visiting the oldest continuously operating gas station on Route 66.'
Surprising Facts You Didn't Know
→ Has operated continuously under the same family for over 65 years - since 1957
→ Claims the title of 'oldest continuously operating gas station on Route 66'
→ Still offers FREE AIR for tire inflation while most stations charge $1.75+
→ The original 1957 building was demolished and rebuilt twice (1982 and 1993)
→ Named after the year it opened, not the Lambert family
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit Lambert 1957
✓ You Can Visit Today
Address: 1529 N. Broadway Street, Joliet, IL 60435
What's There Now: Lambert 1957 Mobil & Convenience Store - operating gas station, convenience store, and car wash with Route 66 memorabilia
GPS Coordinates: 41.5524322, -88.0883969
Photo Tip: Best photographed in early morning or late afternoon when the Illinois light brings out the building's character.
Continue Your Route 66 Journey
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