SUNDAY STORY

Route 66-based story
written by OC,SH’s founder, inspired by his September 2009 Route 66 road trip

CHAPTER 61: EXPLORING & ODELL STATION

“There it is!” the youngest brother exclaimed, looking up from the Route 66 EZ66 Guide & pointing towards the Standard Oil Gas Station in Odell IL. “Pull in here!”

(I took all 3 photos: 11/2009 road trip, partly along IL Route 66)

The eldest chuckled to himself, quickly realizing this would be far from the only time he heard something similar this entire trip.

“Yep, I know,” the eldest said, steering the tan 1976 Caprice Classic onto the gravel lot in front of the building. By now, the early morning sun was fully visible.

The 2 brothers exited the Caprice while their cousin & his wife pulled in behind them.

“Do you know I’ve never been here before,” their cousin said, walking up next to them.

“Surely you’re joking,” the youngest said in disbelief.

“I don’t think he is,” the cousin’s wife said. “I’ve never been here, either.”

“But, but … it’s what, 10 minutes from where you are in Dwight?!” The youngest still couldn’t believe it.

“Yep, I know,” the cousin said. “But, I’d bet you’d be even more surprised at how many people don’t see historic treasures literally in their own town, let alone a few miles away!”

The eldest nodded: “I think he’s right, actually. I’m sure not too many people actually venture out & be a tourist in their own home area. Most folks want to travel to be a tourist.”

“Well, that’s just sad … not to mention stupid,” the youngest retorted without thinking about his words first.

The cousin & the eldest shrugged simultaneously, while the cousin’s wife responded: “Maybe, but not everyone wants to explore in the 1st place.”

The youngest nodded in reply.

“Anyway,” the eldest began, “let’s check this place out.”

By now, the youngest had ventured over to the Route 66 Roadside Attraction sign:

He read out loud: “1932 Standard Oil Gas Station, Odell, Illinois … This restoration is a project of the Route 66 Association of Illinois Preservation Committee. Identified November 9, 1997 on the National Register of Historic Places. Recognized by Hampton Hotels Save-A-Landmark program as a site worth seeing.”

“Bet y’all will see a lot of those signs on this journey of yours,” the cousin observed.

“Oh, I know we will,” replied the eldest. “Route 66 is a destination of its own with many, many attractions like this along the way. It’s part of the reason I wanted to travel the road. Course, I also want to meet as many people as possible because they … & we … won’t be here forever.”

“…& that’s part of the reason why I wanted to do the broadcasts for WSM along the way,” added the youngest. “I want to bring part of the road to those who can’t travel it in person.”

“Cool,” said their cousin & his wife simultaneously.

“…&…,” interjected the eldest, “that’s all why we don’t really have a set schedule & don’t really know how long it will take us….”