The Story
Bill Shea built this Marathon gas station in 1934 and operated it for 60 years, serving generations of Route 66 travelers. When Bill retired in the 1990s, Route 66 preservationists convinced him to donate the station rather than see it demolished.
It was renovated and reopened as a Route 66 Museum in 2024, showcasing 1930s gas station architecture, vintage pumps, oil company signage, and period automobiles.
Surprise Facts
→ Bill Shea ran the station for 60 years personally
→ Reopened as a museum in 2024
→ Contains original 1930s vintage pumps
Notable People
Bill Shea
Owner/Operator
1934-1994
Visit Information
✓ Open to Visit
Address: 2075 Peoria Rd, Springfield, IL 62702
Hours: Museum hours - opened 2024
Tip: Recently renovated with new exhibits