Colo in Story County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Service Station
Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 18, 2026
1. Service Station Marker
In the late 1920s, Charlie Reed built this gas station on the site of a smaller station located about one hundred yards east. The new station was moved to its present site in October, 1930. At first called the Lincoln & Jefferson Service Station, it was known as Reed's Standard Service Station from the early 1930s until it closed in 1967.
Here motorists could buy gasoline, oil, and such other necessities of auto travel as tires, batteries, cigarettes and cigars, soda pop, and candy. Until the late 1940s, they could also have motor oil changed and tires repaired, but no mechanical services were ever provided. For most of its life, the station was open around the clock and also was a stop for intercity buses operated by the Greyhound and Jefferson lines.
The flared roofline and large canopy are striking features of this station. Its unknown architect took over features from several popular styles of house design linked to the Arts and Crafts movement of the early twentieth century. Equipped with vintage Red Crown gas pumps, the station has been restored to the way it looked in the 1940s.
Topics. This historical
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Location. 42° 1.357′ N, 93° 18.657′ W. Marker is in Colo, Iowa, in Story County. It is on Lincoln Highway (Iowa Route 930) west of U.S. 65, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 24 Lincoln Hwy, Colo IA 50056, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Des Moines. 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 Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Colo Reed/Niland Corner (here, next to this marker); Reed/Niland Corner (here, next to this marker); Niland's Cafe (a few steps from this marker); Lincoln Highway (within shouting distance of this marker); Colo Motel (within shouting distance of this marker); Colo Cabin Camp (within
Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 18, 2026
2. Service Station Marker
Marker is next to the white sign
Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 18, 2026
3. Service Station Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 5, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
