Ambler's Texaco Gas Station

Ambler’s Texaco Gas Station – Historic Summary

Ambler’s Texaco Gas Station, also known as the Ambler-Becker Station, is a celebrated roadside landmark in Dwight, Illinois, with deep ties to Route 66 history. Built in 1933 by Jack Shore, the station was initially constructed as a Marathon Oil gas station before switching to Texaco branding in the 1940s. The station was designed in the “house and canopy” style, popular at the time to make gas stations appear more welcoming and residential to motorists. Its charming design features a small cottage-like office with a canopy extending over the fuel pumps.

In 1938, ownership passed to B.H. “Bob” Ambler, who ran the station for the next 30 years, becoming the namesake of the property. Ambler's strong ties to the local community and dedication to service made the station a key stop for both locals and Route 66 travelers. In 1966, Ambler retired, and the business changed hands a few more times, eventually being run by Phil Becker, who operated it until it closed as a service station in 1999.

By then, Ambler’s had earned the distinction of being the longest continually operated gas station on historic Route 66, having served the public for over 66 years. Recognizing its historic value, the Village of Dwight partnered with the Illinois Route 66 Preservation Committee and the National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program to restore the building.

The restored station reopened in 2007 as a Route 66 visitor center and tourism welcome center, showcasing interpretive displays and vintage signage. It remains a popular photo stop and historic site for travelers retracing the legendary highway. The station was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001, helping ensure its legacy as a symbol of the golden age of American car travel and Route 66's enduring cultural significance.