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Afton Station Project
Afton Station and Route 66 Packards has finally become a reality. Much has happened in my life since purchasing the old 1930's gas station on Route 66 in Afton, Oklahoma six years ago. But I can finally report that the restoration of the main "office" portion of the building is finished. The two bathrooms have been remodeled, and restoration of the side of the building that houses my ex-husband's large collection of vintage Packard automobiles is nearly complete.
The Station is alive and well and open for business as an unofficial "rest stop" for weary travelers, a small museum for my collection of Route 66 memorabilia, and a place to purchase maps, guide books, and a few (very few!) trinkets with a Route 66 theme. It's not a gift shop by any means. There is no standard souvenir junk, just helpful and unique items for purchase. The beautiful Packards and other classic cars are worth a stop, too.
Restoration of the Station entailed new tin ceiling panels to replace a good number of those that had rusted out, new lighting, wainscoting, new floor, complete repainting inside, stucco repair and painting of the exterior, extensive roof repairs, installation of a security system - and that's just the tip of the iceberg! We have attempted to retain as much of the flavor of the old station in it's heyday (when it sold Sunray D-X products in a booming town that was home to at least six service stations and as many motels) as possible.
The town of Afton, Oklahoma has seen better days, economically. As with so many Route 66 towns, the decommissioning of Route 66 and the bypassing by the Interstate didn't do its commercial life any favors. Besides a small convenience store, the farm co-op, and a small grocery store, there's not much left from the glory days of the town. Yet the town survives, about 800 people still live there, and all of those we've met are friendly and supportive of our project. I moved to Oklahoma permanently in May of 2002, and am extremely happy with my life on Route 66. With the help of many dear friends from the area, as well as my supportive fellow Route 66 "roadies" from all over the country, I'm finding myself totally immersed in life on the Mother Road. My biggest dilemma is deciding whether it's more fun to travel constantly up and down Route 66, meeting new people and discovering new wonders, or staying at Afton Station and playing host to the friendly folks who drop in to chat. Tough choice, since both are equally appealing!!
Since I can't be open during all regular business hours, please feel free to call ahead if you'd like to drop in and see Afton Station. The phone numbers are either (Laurel)918-382-9465, (David)918-791-5055, or (Marley)918-533-5108. I'll be happy to open the Station and give a tour any time if you call one of us well in advance. Thoughts from a Route 66 Business Owner -- Daily observations from me about what it's like to be the owner of Afton Station (Afton, OK), a small private visitors' center, vintage car museum, and Route 66 memorabilia collection in an old gas station on the Route.
 Raising the new sign to welcome visitors.
The famous 9-foot alignment of Route 66 remains in good shape just a mile from downtown Afton. The renowned Buffalo Ranch was recently succumbed to the wrecking ball, making way for a new convenience plaza. Relics (such as signs, trinkets, etc.) have been given to Afton Station and are on display there now.
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