Soulsby Service Station: A Preserved Gem on Route 66 in Mt. Olive, Illinois
Tucked away in the small town of Mt. Olive, Illinois, the Soulsby Service Station stands as a silent yet striking tribute to the golden age of American road travel. As one of the oldest and most authentic gas stations on historic Route 66, it draws travelers, photographers, and history lovers from around the world.
This humble white cottage-style building isn’t just a relic—it’s a carefully preserved landmark that echoes with the stories of travelers from a bygone era.
History of the Soulsby Service Station
The Soulsby Service Station opened its doors in 1926, the same year that Route 66 was officially established. It was built by Henry Soulsby and his son Russell, just as America’s fascination with the automobile was beginning to accelerate.
Originally designed in the domestic cottage style, the building blended in with the surrounding homes. This design, favored by Shell Oil at the time, was meant to make customers feel safe and welcome. The Soulsbys operated the station as a Shell gasoline dealership, serving both locals and cross-country travelers.
Russell Soulsby ran the station for decades, even after it stopped pumping gas in 1991. He continued to operate a small repair shop from the building until he retired in 1993, making Soulsby one of the longest-operating family-run stations on Route 66.
Relationship to Route 66
Located directly on the original alignment of Route 66, Soulsby Station was a key service stop during the road’s peak years from the 1930s to the 1950s.
Travelers heading from Chicago to St. Louis—or all the way to Los Angeles—relied on places like Soulsby’s for fuel, car repairs, and friendly conversation. Its strategic position in Mt. Olive made it a welcoming oasis between bigger towns like Litchfield and Staunton.
As Route 66 evolved and was eventually bypassed by Interstate 55, many small stations fell into disrepair or were demolished. But Soulsby Station, thanks to its committed caretakers and historical significance, survived the march of time.
Restoration and Current Status
Though the pumps stopped decades ago, the Soulsby Service Station lives on as a preserved historic site. The Route 66 Association of Illinois and other preservationists stepped in to stabilize and restore the building.
Today, Soulsby Station is open to the public as a photo opportunity and roadside attraction. It does not operate as a functional gas station, but its exterior has been meticulously restored to its 1940s appearance, complete with vintage Shell gas pumps and signage.
Interpretive panels tell the story of the Soulsby family and the role the station played in Route 66 history. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.
Travelers can park nearby, explore the grounds, and take photos with one of the most iconic and well-preserved gas stations on the entire Mother Road.
Why Visit Soulsby Station?
- Historical Significance: One of the oldest and most authentic Route 66 gas stations still standing.
- Photo-Worthy: Perfectly restored exterior with vintage pumps and Shell signage.
- Free & Accessible: No admission fee, open year-round for roadside visits.
- Educational: Interpretive signs and historical plaques provide rich background for visitors.
- Route 66 Bucket List Stop: A must-see for anyone traveling Illinois’ stretch of Route 66.
Location & Visitor Info
Address:
302 South Old Route 66, Mt. Olive, IL 62069
Hours:
Open for exterior viewing daily. No interior access.
Admission:
Free
Nearby Attractions:
- Ariston Café in Litchfield
- Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac
- Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton
Soulsby Service Station may no longer serve gasoline, but it continues to fuel the imaginations of Route 66 travelers. With its lovingly restored facade and deep roots in highway history, it offers a perfect pause on your journey through the Land of Lincoln.
Whether you’re a die-hard Route 66 roadie or a casual tourist looking for the perfect retro selfie, Mt. Olive’s Soulsby Station delivers.
