Historic haven for Black travelers in Luther gets Route 66 marker, pieces of past back

Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, August 16th 2025 at 6:59 GMT by The Oklahoman
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The Threatt family was joined by community leaders, public officials at the dedication of a Route 66 monument at the historic Threatt Filling Station.

Reviving Route 66's Hidden Gem: The Threatt Filling Station in Luther, Oklahoma

Nestled along the storied stretches of Route 66 in Luther, Oklahoma, the Threatt Filling Station stands as a poignant reminder of America's complex history, blending the romance of the open road with the harsh realities of racial segregation. This unassuming structure, once a vital lifeline for Black travelers during the Jim Crow era, has recently been honored with a new historical marker, unveiling a treasure trove of vintage items that bring its storied past to life. As Route 66 approaches its centennial in 2026, the station's revival is drawing visitors from across the nation, eager to explore a chapter of the Mother Road that has long been overlooked.

The Threatt Filling Station was established in 1915 by Allen Threatt Sr., an enterprising African American entrepreneur who recognized the opportunities presented by the burgeoning automobile age. Situated on a 150-acre farm just east of Edmond, the station quickly became more than a mere pit stop. It offered gasoline, groceries, and even overnight accommodations in a time when Black motorists faced widespread discrimination and danger on the highways. During the height of segregation, establishments like the Threatt station were rare sanctuaries, providing safe haven where families could refuel, rest, and regroup without fear of hostility. The Green Book, the famous guide for Black travelers, listed it as a trusted spot, underscoring its importance in an era when sundown towns and discriminatory practices made cross-country journeys perilous.

Over the decades, the station fell into disrepair as Route 66 was bypassed by modern interstates, and the Threatt family shifted focus to other ventures. By the early 2000s, the building was a shadow of its former self—its pumps rusted, windows boarded, and the once-bustling forecourt overgrown with weeds. However, a dedicated effort by descendants of the Threatt family, local historians, and preservationists has breathed new life into the site. In 2022, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its significance not just as a Route 66 landmark but as a symbol of Black resilience and entrepreneurship in the face of adversity.

The latest chapter in this revival came with the installation of a new historical marker earlier this year, funded through a collaboration between the Oklahoma Historical Society, the National Park Service's Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, and private donors. The marker, a sleek bronze plaque mounted on a stone pedestal near the station's entrance, details the site's history in vivid prose. It recounts how Allen Threatt Sr. built the station using sandstone quarried from his own land, creating a sturdy structure that withstood the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. The inscription highlights personal anecdotes, such as how the station hosted community gatherings, including barbecues and dances, fostering a sense of belonging in an otherwise exclusionary landscape.

Accompanying the marker is an exhibit of vintage items meticulously curated to immerse visitors in the station's heyday. Stepping inside the restored interior feels like time-traveling to the 1930s and 1940s. Original gas pumps, painstakingly refurbished to their gleaming red-and-white glory, stand sentinel outside, complete with antique nozzles and faded signage advertising brands like Conoco and Phillips 66. Inside, glass cases display a collection of period artifacts: yellowed copies of the Negro Motorist Green Book, with dog-eared pages marking safe routes through Oklahoma; vintage soda bottles from local distributors, their labels evoking the era's roadside refreshments; and family photographs showing Allen Threatt Sr. and his descendants posing proudly beside Model T Fords and early station wagons.

One particularly evocative item is a restored 1920s cash register, its brass keys still functional, symbolizing the economic independence the station represented for the Threatt family. Nearby, a display of automobile memorabilia includes tire irons, oil cans, and road maps from the era, illustrating the practical challenges of travel on Route 66. Visitors can also view personal effects, such as a weathered ledger book where travelers signed in, leaving notes of gratitude for the hospitality. These items aren't just relics; they're storytelling tools, narrated through audio guides that feature oral histories from surviving family members and former patrons.

The restoration process itself is a tale of community triumph. Volunteers spent countless hours scraping away layers of decay, revealing original features like the station's tin ceiling and wooden counters. Funding came from grants and crowdfunding campaigns that emphasized the site's role in educating about civil rights history. Today, the Threatt Filling Station operates as a museum and event space, hosting workshops on African American history, Route 66 tours, and even vintage car shows. It's become a stop on guided excursions, where docents share stories of how the station served as a conduit for the Great Migration, helping families relocate from the South to the West.

For modern travelers, the site offers a reflective pause amid the nostalgia of Route 66. Unlike the kitschy diners and neon-lit motels that dominate the route's popular imagery, the Threatt station confronts the road's darker underbelly—reminding us that the "freedom of the open road" was not equally accessible to all. Yet, it's also a celebration of perseverance. As one descendant, Yvonne Threatt, shared in a recent interview, "This place wasn't just about selling gas; it was about survival and dignity. We're preserving it so future generations understand that history."

The new marker and vintage exhibits have sparked renewed interest, with visitor numbers surging. Plans are underway for expansions, including a small cafe serving era-inspired fare like homemade pies and barbecue, nodding to the station's past as a social hub. In an age of digital navigation, the Threatt Filling Station invites us to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the human stories etched into America's highways. As Route 66's legacy evolves, this Luther landmark ensures that the contributions of Black Americans are not forgotten, but illuminated for all to see. Whether you're a history buff, a road trip enthusiast, or simply passing through, a visit here promises a deeper understanding of the Mother Road's multifaceted soul.

Read the Full The Oklahoman Article at:
[ https://www.oklahoman.com/story/lifestyle/features/2025/08/16/threatt-filling-station-luther-ok-route-66-marker-vintage-items/85609072007/ ]

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Historic haven for Black travelers in Luther gets Route 66 marker, pieces of past back

Reviving Route 66's Hidden Gem: The Threatt Filling Station in Luther, Oklahoma