Foyil Man Gives Route 66 Gas Station New Life

New developments are on the way for a run-down service station along Route 66 in Rogers County.

The Texaco in Foyil is one the National Register of Historic Places and someday, it could be another mother road tourist attraction.

The original Route 66 ran right by the old gas station.

"I know it was built between April of 1923 and October of 1926," said Kean Isaacs. 

But in 1960, the new four-lane highway bypassed the spot, business dried up and the filling station closed.

By 2014, it was in pretty sad shape.

"I bought it for the purpose of cleaning it up," Isaacs said. 

He knew its history, he grew up around Foyil. But here's what he didn't know.

"I didn't know how important Route 66 was to the whole world until some people from China came by," Isaacs said. 

A tour group traveling Route 66 stopped to ask for directions. When he told them this was an old gas station on the route, they all piled out and started taking pictures.

Isaacs rethought the plan; maybe actually turn the old building into something.

"I'd like it to be an information center and rest stop for Route 66 ... sell souvenirs and snacks and stuff," Isaacs said. 

Maybe T-shirts. Oh, he's got T-shirts. Everyone who comes by wants a T-shirt.

"A couple of weeks ago I had two guys from Italy drop by," Isaacs said. 

This is a long-term project, he’s doing a little at a time and hopes to be finished by 2026 which will be the 100th anniversary of Route 66.

Foyil is holding its 3rd Annual Block Party on October 6th at 10 a.m. right in front of the old gas station.