Association seeks to complete restoration of McLean Phillips 66 station by October

The Texas Old Route 66 Association on Friday finished the re-roofing of the 1928 Phillips 66 station in McLean, Texas, and hopes to complete the final two stages of restoration by the association’s motor tour in October.

Gary Daggett, president of the association, said in a telephone interview the partial restoration of the station’s pumps will be done in two months, and the third phase is new tuckpointing and other repairs to the brickwork and stabilization of the building’s interior.

Here’s a set of recent images from the roofing work:

The station’s last restoration was in 1992. The association had planned to restore the station earlier, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed that.

Daggett said about $6,500 has been raised for the $8,000 goal for the project. Donations to the federally recognized nonprofit can be made here.

He said donated materials or work have significantly reduced the cost of the project. Daggett said anyone who wishes to donate mortar or expertise for the tuckpointing would be welcome.

More about the station’s history from the association:

Phillips company records show this station in McLean is recognized as the first Phillips 66 station, approved to be built in the state of Texas. Its Tudor-Revival style construction with gabled roof and front chimney is typical of the early station brand. The McLean station officially closed for business in 1977.

In 1991 the station was owned by Wayne Bybee. Mr. Bybee donated the station to the McLean chapter of The Old Route 66 Association of Texas. In 1992 the Association completely restored the Phillips station and it became a must-see picture opportunity along Route 66. In 2006 The Old Route 66 Association of Texas, presented the restored Phillips station to the city of McLean and with a unanimous decision from the city council and mayor, the city of McLean accepted the gift and have been great caretakers since then.

The McLean station remains one of the most-photographed landmarks on Route 66.

(Image of the Phillips 66 station in McLean, Texas, in 2007 by Albert Mock via Flickr)