Buckle up, history buffs and road trip enthusiasts! Prepare to embark on a thrilling journey through time with the extraordinary vintage 1970s Phillips Route 66 Kansas Nebraska 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 travel. 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 beauty measures a compact 9" x 4" when closed, but unfolds to an impressive 30" x 18" – talk about a transformation! Its excellent condition is a testament to its careful preservation, with barely a crease or fold out of place. Remember those days when these massive maps were our lifelines on the open road? Picture yourself as the navigator, sprawled across the passenger seat with this behemoth of a map, desperately trying to figure out which exit to take while your driver peeks around the edges, praying you don't miss the turn!
The Phillips Petroleum Company, the mastermind behind this cartographic gem, has a story as rich as the map itself. Founded by visionaries Lee Eldas "L.E." Phillips and Frank Phillips in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, the company roared to life on June 13, 1917. Starting with a modest $3 million in assets and just 27 employees, Phillips quickly became a titan in the natural gas industry. Their knack for extracting liquid gold from natural gas propelled them to the top, crowning them as the nation's largest producer of natural gas liquids by 1925.
But wait, there's more! The iconic "Phillips 66" name isn't just a random number – it's steeped in serendipity. Picture this: a car zooming down U.S. Route 66 at 66 miles per hour, testing a new gasoline with a specific gravity close to 66. It's like the universe itself conspired to create this perfect branding opportunity! The naming committee, recognizing this cosmic alignment, unanimously christened it "Phillips 66."
On November 19, 1927, the first Phillips 66 service station flung open 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-performance fuel!
Now, picture this rare vintage collectible adorning your wall, a conversation starter that'll transport your guests back to the heyday of American road trips. It's not just a map – it's a time machine, a piece of Americana that's becoming increasingly scarce as museums and private collectors snatch them up. Don't let this opportunity slip through your fingers! Grab this slice of history before it vanishes into a museum archive or a collector's vault.
While my photos strive to capture the essence of this remarkable piece, they can only hint at its true magnificence. The vibrant colors, the intricate details of long-forgotten towns and winding roads – it's a visual feast that needs to be seen in person to be fully appreciated. This map isn't just a guide to Kansas and Nebraska; it's a portal to a bygone era, a tangible connection to the adventurous spirit of mid-20th century America. Don't miss your chance to own this extraordinary piece of Route 66 history!
