During a recent trip on my way to Chicago, I stopped by at the Ambler-Becker Texaco Station on old Route 66 in Dwight, Illinois. It is a quite cool place you ought to visit. The old style gas station is recognized as the longest operation Route 66 gas station, with over 60 years of continuous service. It is placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. In June 2006, the Ambler-Becker, as well as the Ambler and Becker families, was named to the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame.

The gas station was built in 1933 by Jack Shore and his son Paul on the Otto Strufe property. According to the National Register of Historic Places, the station is designed in a “house with canopy” style , a design that “Standard Oil of Ohio developed to create a comfort, homey feel for customers.”

The gas station museum is closed now due to the pandemic, but most of the time, an volunteer is available at the parking lot. I met an old gentleman who was an volunteer and he was kind enough to briefly introduce the history of the gas station. In the area, you can also explore the Pioneer Gothic Church, the Depot and a couple other local historical spots.