Shea’s Gas Station Museum
Shea’s Gas Station Museum is a hidden gem in Springfield, Illinois. It honors the golden age of American driving. Bill Shea, who has been collecting old gas pumps, signs, and other things from gas stations and cars for his whole life, came up with the idea for the museum. The museum is in an unassuming building that used to be a Standard Oil gas station. It has over 70 restored gas pumps, old cars, and other items from the 1920s to the 1960s.
When people walk into the museum, they are taken back to the glory days of Route 66, the famous highway that ran from Chicago to Santa Monica and was once a key part of commerce and travel in the United States. The museum’s collection of gas pumps is probably the most interesting thing about it. Some of the pumps are from the 1920s and 1930s and had to be turned by hand and relied on gravity to dispense gas. There are also a number of pumps from the 1940s and 1950s, which were more modern and relied on electricity to pump gas.
Shea’s Gas Station Museum has more than just gas pumps. It also has a number of classic cars, such as a 1941 Cadillac Sedan, a 1947 Buick Roadmaster, and a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. These cars are on display with old road signs, oil cans, and other things from the heyday of motoring. There is even an old soda machine that sells Coca-Cola bottles for only a nickel.
Bill Shea built a replica of a Sinclair gas station from the 1920s on the grounds of the museum. This is one of the best parts of the museum. The station is an exact copy of the original Sinclair stations that were all over the United States when cars first came out. Visitors can step inside the station and see how gas was sold and dispensed in the early days of the auto industry.
Another unique feature of Shea’s Gas Station Museum is the collection of vintage oil cans and other oil-related memorabilia. The bright logos and slogans on these cans from oil companies that no longer exist show how important oil was in the early days of the car industry. There are also a number of vintage oil dispensers and other equipment used in the early days of the oil industry.
Shea’s Gas Station Museum is a must-see for people who are interested in American history or old cars. The museum gives a fascinating look at what life was like in the United States in the past, when gas stations were busy places and cars were still new. Bill Shea spent decades collecting and preserving these pieces of American history, so the museum is also a tribute to his vision and hard work.
The Shea’s Gas Station Museum is at 2075 Peoria Rd, Springfield, IL 62702, and is open from 9 am to 5 pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. There is no charge to get in, but donations are welcome. The museum is run by volunteers, and all the money goes toward keeping the collection in good shape.
Shea’s Gas Station Museum is open during its regular hours, but it also has a number of special events throughout the year. There are classic car shows, swap meets, and other events for people who like old cars. Groups can also get guided tours, which can be set up ahead of time by calling the museum’s main number.
In the end, Shea’s Gas Station Museum is a unique and interesting place to visit if you like old cars or American history. The museum’s collection of old gas pumps, classic cars, and other items from the early days of the auto industry are a reminder of how important gas stations were to everyday life in the United States. Shea’s Gas Station Museum is a great place to visit whether you know a lot about cars or just want a fun and educational day with your family. Visitors can step back in time and imagine what it must have been like to drive down Route 66 in a classic car, stopping at gas stations along the way to refill and recharge.
The museum is also a great place to learn about the history of the oil industry in the United States and how it changed as the car did. Visitors can see how gas was sold and given out in the early days of the industry and learn about the different oil companies that used to control the market.
Shea’s Gas Station Museum is probably most of all a tribute to Bill Shea’s hard work and passion. He spent decades collecting and preserving these pieces of American history. Without his foresight and hard work, many of these priceless artifacts would have been lost forever. The museum is a tribute to his life and shows how much he loved old cars and American history.
Overall, Shea’s Gas Station Museum is a fascinating and educational destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned car enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for a fun family outing, the museum is sure to provide a memorable experience. So, the next time you’re in Springfield, Illinois, stop by Shea’s Gas Station Museum and take a trip back in time to the golden age of American driving.