Williamsburg in Sangamon County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Frank's Old Station

Service Stations on Route 66

Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 22, 2025

1. Frank's Old Station Marker

Inscription. Early service stations along Route 66 were more than just places to get gas. This station was built in the mid-1930s along Route 66 when it ran through the village of Williamsville. Travelers and residents would gather here to drink coffee, chat, and share news from up and down the Mother Road. Today, the restored gas station continues to welcome guests from far and wide who share their own stories.

One of Many
At one time, Williamsville had over a dozen gas stations that served Route 66 travelers. When a bypass was built to the west in 1940, many of these stations closed. Frank's Old Station operated as a gas station from the mid-1930s until 1963. The building survived as owners converted it to other uses.

Route 66 Living Legends

Jason Hayward purchased this property in 2016. He has lovingly restored the exterior of the gas station to its original appearance. This serves as a canvas for his vintage gasoline signs and artifacts.

(photo captions:)

·Norman McDaniel owned this Marathon station from 1954 to 1958. Early gas stations helped shape the road culture of America. Uniformed attendants pumped gas, checked oil levels, measured tire pressure, and washed windshields.

·Frank Kahlrus, a Williamsville native, owned The Old Station from 2000 to 2016.

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His eccentric personality and collection of memorabilia became an iconic stop for Route 66 travelers.

Erected by Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1940.

Location. 39° 57.315′ N, 89° 33.002′ W. Marker is in Williamsburg, Illinois, in Sangamon County. It is at the intersection of South Elm Street (Old U.S. 66) and West Flagg Street, on the right when traveling south on South Elm Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 107 S Elm St, Williamsville IL 62693, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois

and in Greater Springfield.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: When the Wagons Rolled (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Golden Years (about 500 feet away); The Williamsville Depot (about 500 feet away); Illinois Terminal System (about 600 feet away); The Early American Farming Community (about 700 feet away); An Oasis on Route 66 (approx. 4.9 miles away); Abraham Lincoln (approx. 5.3 miles away); Illinois Remembers POW/MIA (approx. 5.3 miles away).

Another marker is no longer nearby. Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District

Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 22, 2025

2. Frank's Old Station Marker

(was approx. 3.6 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Credits. This page was last revised on February 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 25, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 611 times since then and 111 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 25, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.