A True Icon of the Mother Road
Perched along the original alignment of Route 66 just outside Hydro, Oklahoma, Lucille’s Historic Highway Gas Station stands as a cherished time capsule of America’s golden age of road travel. This two-story, white stucco structure has become one of the most enduring symbols of Route 66, thanks in large part to the indomitable spirit of its longtime proprietor, Lucille Hamons—affectionately dubbed the “Mother of the Mother Road.”
History of Lucille’s Gas Station
Constructed in 1929 by Carl Ditmore, the station was strategically placed along what would become one of the most heavily traveled sections of U.S. Highway 66. The architectural style was a typical “house-over-station” design—where the owners lived upstairs while operating the gas station and small grocery store on the ground floor.
In 1941, Lucille Hamons and her husband Carl purchased the property. For more than five decades, Lucille tirelessly ran the station, serving weary travelers, truckers, and tourists with gasoline, sandwiches, and warm hospitality. She became a beloved figure on Route 66, known not just for running a business, but for embodying the welcoming spirit of the highway.
Even after Interstate 40 bypassed the site in the 1960s, siphoning traffic from Route 66, Lucille refused to close. She continued operating the station well into the 1980s, despite declining business and the growing ghost-town feel that affected many Route 66 towns during that era.
Lucille passed away in 2000, but her legacy was already firmly rooted in Route 66 history. In 1997, the station was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its architectural and cultural significance.
Route 66 Significance
Lucille’s Gas Station is more than a fuel stop; it’s a testament to the resilience of Route 66 culture. Throughout the station’s life, it mirrored the rise, fall, and rebirth of the Mother Road. As travelers crossed the heartland of America from Chicago to Los Angeles, Lucille’s station offered not just a place to fill up a tank, but a place to feel at home.
In many ways, the station symbolized Route 66 itself—an enduring route lined with independent businesses, family-run services, and personal stories that defined mid-century road travel.
Lucille Hamons’ dedication made her a Route 66 folk hero. Many who stopped at her station recall her as a warm, tough, and pragmatic woman, someone who kept the soul of the Mother Road alive even during its darkest days.
The Station Today
Though it no longer pumps gas, Lucille’s Historic Highway Gas Station has been carefully preserved as a historic site and roadside attraction. Visitors can still see the original signage, vintage pumps, and restored exterior, all of which evoke a deep sense of nostalgia.
An Oklahoma historical marker now stands on the property, highlighting Lucille Hamons’ legacy and the importance of the station. The building is not open for tours inside, but travelers can freely explore the grounds, take photos, and read about the station’s history.
Nearby, Lucille’s Roadhouse in Weatherford, Oklahoma—built in tribute to the original station—offers dining and further exhibits that pay homage to Route 66.
The Station Today
Though it no longer pumps gas, Lucille’s Historic Highway Gas Station has been carefully preserved as a historic site and roadside attraction. Visitors can still see the original signage, vintage pumps, and restored exterior, all of which evoke a deep sense of nostalgia.
An Oklahoma historical marker now stands on the property, highlighting Lucille Hamons’ legacy and the importance of the station. The building is not open for tours inside, but travelers can freely explore the grounds, take photos, and read about the station’s history.
Nearby, Lucille’s Roadhouse in Weatherford, Oklahoma—built in tribute to the original station—offers dining and further exhibits that pay homage to Route 66.
Final Thoughts
Lucille’s Historic Highway Gas Station isn’t just a structure on the side of the road—it’s a living piece of Americana. As Route 66 travelers retrace the path of mid-century wanderers, this site offers a poignant reminder of the people who made the journey special. Lucille Hamons served as the heart and soul of Route 66 in Oklahoma, and her legacy lives on through this enduring roadside icon.
