Buckle up for an exhilarating journey through time with the extraordinary vintage 1970s Phillips Route 66 Illinois Map! This isn't just any old map – it's a pristine piece of NOS (New Old Stock) historic Americana that'll transport you straight to the heart of America's golden age of road trips. Imagine being the very first person to unfold this untouched treasure, feeling the crisp paper beneath your fingertips as you unveil a snapshot of the past!
This cartographic gem measures a compact 9" x 4" when closed, but unfurls to an impressive 30" x 18" when open – talk about a transformation! Its excellent condition, with barely a crease or fold out of place, guarantees that this piece of history will stand the test of time. Remember the days when these massive maps were our trusty companions on every adventure? Picture yourself as the navigator, sprawled across the front seat, map covering every inch of available space, desperately trying to decipher your location while your driver peeks around the edges. It's not just a map; it's a portal to nostalgic road trip memories!
Let's dive into the fascinating history behind this map's creator. The Phillips Petroleum Company, a true American success story, was born in 1917 in the oil-rich town of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Founded by visionaries Lee Eldas "L.E." Phillips and Frank Phillips, this modest start-up with just 27 employees and $3 million in assets would go on to revolutionize the energy industry. Their big break came with the discovery of the mammoth Panhandle gas field in Texas in 1918, followed by the Hugoton Field in Kansas. Talk about striking it rich!
Phillips quickly became a pioneer in the natural gas industry, specializing in extracting those precious liquids from natural gas. By 1925, they were crowned the undisputed kings of natural gas liquid production in the nation. But here's where it gets really exciting – the birth of the iconic "Phillips 66" name! According to the Phillips Petroleum Company Museum, it was a perfect storm of coincidences: the gasoline's specific gravity was close to 66, a test car hit 66 miles per hour, and the test took place on the legendary Route 66. It was destiny, folks!
The Phillips 66 legacy truly began on November 19, 1927, when the first service station proudly opened its doors at 805 E. Central Avenue in Wichita, Kansas. Imagine the excitement as drivers pulled up to fill their tanks with this new, high-quality fuel!
Now, picture this incredible vintage collectible adorning your walls, a conversation starter that'll transport your guests back to the era of chrome-finned cars and neon-lit diners. This isn't just home decor; it's a time machine! But here's the kicker – maps like this are vanishing faster than a '57 Chevy on an open highway. As museums and private collectors snatch them up, your chances of owning a piece of this automotive history are dwindling by the day. Don't let this opportunity pass you by – grab this unique slice of Americana before it's gone forever!
While my photographs strive to capture the essence of this remarkable piece, they can only hint at its true magnificence. The vibrant colors, the intricate details of Illinois' highways and byways, and the unmistakable vintage charm – it's something you need to experience firsthand to truly appreciate. This map isn't just a guide to the Prairie State; it's a testament to the adventurous spirit of a bygone era, waiting to ignite your wanderlust and spark your imagination. Don't miss your chance to own this extraordinary piece of Route 66 history!
