The rise of the national road system in 1926 marked a transformative era for small businesses across America, and for Henry Soulsby in Mount Olive, Illinois, this timing was perfect. Transitioning from a mining career due to an injury, Soulsby recognized the opportunity presented by the upcoming national highway, now known as Route 66. He strategically invested his savings in land at the corner of 1st Street and Old Route 66, building a gas station that would become a landmark of exemplary Station Service for decades to come.
The Dawn of Station Service and Soulsby’s Vision
In 1926, when Soulsby Station first opened its doors, the concept of station service was evolving. Major oil companies were beginning to understand the importance of aesthetics and community integration, moving away from purely functional and often crude gas stations. Soulsby, designing the station himself, embraced this trend, creating a “house with canopy” style structure that blended seamlessly into the surrounding neighborhood. This design choice was a conscious effort to provide not just fuel, but a welcoming and reliable station service experience.
Alt text: Soulsby Station, a historic example of station service architecture on Route 66 in Mount Olive, Illinois, featuring its distinctive house with canopy design.
Despite the economic hardship of the Great Depression that soon followed, Soulsby Station flourished. Americans, even during tough times, maintained their love for travel, relying on their automobiles to navigate the country. This era highlighted the essential role of station service in keeping America moving, providing fuel, repairs, and essential supplies for travelers along the burgeoning highway system.
Generations of Station Service Excellence
Upon Henry Soulsby’s retirement, his children, Russell and Ola, took over the station, continuing the legacy of dedicated station service. Their partnership, lasting until Ola’s passing in 1996, was built on a shared commitment to customer care and mechanical expertise. Both were equally skilled in the traditional aspects of station service: pumping gas, checking oil levels, and troubleshooting car troubles.
Russell, in particular, embodied the evolving nature of station service. His technical aptitude, honed during his wartime service as a communications technician in the Pacific, led him to expand the station’s offerings. He pioneered a second career in radio and television repair, utilizing an antenna atop the station to test his equipment. This diversification showcased how station service could adapt and encompass new technologies to meet the changing needs of the community and travelers.
Alt text: Russell and Ola Soulsby, second-generation owners, providing exceptional station service at Soulsby Station on Route 66, known for their technical skills and customer dedication.
Adapting Station Service Through Changing Times
While Route 66 spurred growth and connectivity, its very success contributed to its eventual decline as interstate highways emerged in the late 1950s. Interstate 55 bypassed Mount Olive, leaving Soulsby Station a mile removed from the new main thoroughfare. In 1991, the gas pumps at Soulsby Station were turned off, marking a shift in its primary station service offering. However, the station remained a vital stop for Route 66 tourists, providing sodas, oil checks, and warm greetings from Russell and Ola. Their continued presence and welcoming attitude exemplified the personal touch that defined classic station service.
The Soulsbys finally closed the station in 1993 and sold it in 1997 to a neighbor, Mike Dragovich. Even after Russell’s death in 1999, his connection to the station remained strong, with his funeral procession passing under the station canopy for a final farewell, a poignant tribute to his life of station service.
Soulsby Station: A Preserved Monument to Station Service
Recognizing its historical significance, current owner Mike Dragovich and the Soulsby Preservation Society began restoration efforts in 2003. They removed later additions like vinyl siding, restored original doors and windows, and repainted the exterior to reflect its mid-20th-century appearance. Grants from the National Park Service in 2004 further supported these preservation efforts.
Today, Soulsby Station stands as a beautifully preserved example of a classic station service station from the Route 66 era. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004, it now operates as a visitor center and museum, offering a tangible link to the golden age of American road travel and the personalized station service that defined it. Visitors can experience firsthand the charm and history of a bygone era, understanding the vital role station service stations like Soulsby’s played in the nation’s automotive and travel heritage.
Alt text: Soulsby Station today, a museum and visitor center on Route 66, showcasing its restored station service architecture and historical artifacts, preserving the legacy of roadside America.
Located at 710 West First St. in Mount Olive, IL, at the southwest corner of First St. and Old Route 66, the Soulsby Service Station is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Route 66 history and the enduring appeal of authentic station service.
