The Complete Story
When Route 66 ran through the coal mining town of Braidwood, Italian immigrant Peter Rossi saw opportunity. He and his family built a grocery store, service station, restaurant, and motor courts right alongside the Mother Road. In 1927, they even erected a dance hall that did thriving business until fire destroyed it in 1935.
In 1939, Peter's son Stephen built an 'attractive Sinclair Gas and Service Station of glazed tile' at the corner of B and Washington Streets, along the new 1939-56 Route 66 alignment. The Art Deco style structure, which flourished between both World Wars, replaced what had been the Anderson Oil company's Braidwood plant - the site of a tragic explosion on the day after Thanksgiving 1931 that killed Alexander McElroy, age 28.
After Stephen's death, his sons Peter B. and John took over management of the station and adjacent Rossi's Motel. The gas station changed hands through the 1980s, becoming Lucenta Tire, then M & R Tire and Auto. Despite the modifications - smaller windows and a missing clock above the door - the distinctive tiled parapets and overall Art Deco appearance remain intact to this day.
Surprising Facts You Didn't Know
→ The Rossi family created an entire roadside empire: grocery store, gas station, restaurant, motor courts, AND a dance hall
→ The dance hall built in 1927 was destroyed by fire in 1935
→ Built on the site of the 1931 Anderson Oil explosion that killed a 28-year-old worker
→ The Art Deco glazed tile exterior is rare for Illinois Route 66 stations
→ The adjacent Rossi's Motel (now Braidwood Motel) still has its original 1950 neon sign
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit Rossi's Sinclair Station
✓ You Can Visit Today
Address: 100 N. Washington Street, Braidwood, IL 60408
What's There Now: Crossroads of America Car Truck and Tire Center and Auto Service - still operating as an auto service business
GPS Coordinates: 41.2648513, -88.2122409
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
These nearby Route 66 stops are just down the road:
Polk-a-Dot Drive In
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Illinois Route 66 Mining Museum
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The Launching Pad Drive-In
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