The exterior will soon sport colorful new graphics featuring ROUTE 66 graphics.
Our exclusive VISIT 66 Production & Escort Van
has received new
signage and graphics,
a new interior with a
custom-built computer
console and storage,
a digital Honda 2000 watt generator, and new audio/video production equipment.
A satellite internet system is
also planned for live
webcasting on-location!
Our facility is also next door to a Route 66 Diner!
VISIT
This is the logo of our new business...promoting Route 66 as a vacation destination worlwide !
.com
LEFT:
This Sinclair filling station was built (circa 1937) using limestone rock from old Carterville Opera House which was on the site originally. The original roof was a hip roof that extended over the gas pumps as a canopy.
West side
South side
East side
The building before purchase in 2007.
The rear half of the building was added many years ago, as evidenced by the color change due to the use of native rock instead of limestone.
.com
This historic 1937 Sinclair filling station at 401 W. Main
in Carterville (Old Route 66) is the location of southwest Missouri's first Visitor's Welcome Center and Gift Shop. It is also the new headquarters of VISIT 66.com, and will contain our video production facility. There is plenty of room for touring groups to park, and free Wi-Fi internet service and a workstation will be available at no charge for Route travelers. Overnight RV drycamping will also be available. Additional archive photos below.
"The Old Rock Filling Station" through the years...
The original station under construction in 1937.
(The structure across the street was built in 1900.)
LEFT:
This photo show the station about 11 years after it opened, around 1947. It had been closed, and was purchased by Bill Keck of Carterville who was looking for a business to buy at the close of WW II. He dug the pits for the fuel tanks himself, and you can see the hole on the right.
LEFT:
The former Sinclair station reopened in 1947 as a Hudson Oil Co. station. Note the price of gas at that time. Regular was selling for $.15.9 cents a gallon!
The station was also where Crown Coach and Greyhound busses made pick-ups.
LEFT:
As Bill's family began to grow, so did the building, which doubled in size to allow for living quarters for Bill and his family. A loft bedroom and storage area were added as well. The photo on ther right shows Bill's grandson in the well-stocked office in 1964.
LEFT:
As the overhead roof aged, it was removed and no longer covered the pump island. This night photo shows the altered roof. Bill is shown hanging-out, waiting for his next customer.
Below: 1949 invoice for gas delivery.
LEFT:
In later years, Bill passed away and the station was converted into an electrical contractor's office owned by Louis "Corkey" George of nearby Webb City, MO..
After Corkey retired, another electrical contractor leased the building from him, and the business remained as Corkey's Electric for a few more years before closing.
In April of 2007, Rod and Barbara Harsh of Joplin, purchased the building from Corkey and began restoring the building to operate it as a Route 66 Visitors Welcome Center and Gift Shop, as well as the headquarters for the Visit 66.com websites.
The outside bathroom door was used by station customers, while Bill and his family used the inside bathroom. Bill also added a shower before the addition was added.
ABOVE & BELOW:
These photos show the Visitors Center nearing completition in late May. Vintage era furniture is used to reflect the hey-day era of Route 66. The new sign is ready to install, and a Grand Opening was during the June 1st. thru 3rd. weekend.
Gift Shop, retail area features
Route 66 themed gifts, guidebooks, maps, signs and more.
Gift Shop, Exhibit Room features videos, displays and has a computer work station for guest use.
