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Step back in time more than 75 years at the Shell History Museum in Roxana, Illinois. Featuring over 1,000 artifacts and growing, the museum offers a visual review of the refinery's many changes and significant progress from its groundbreaking in 1917 to the present.
Exhibits, photo displays and a special videotape tell the story of how the legasy of Shell's Wood River Refinery unfolded over three-quarters of a century. It is a story of extraordinary achievements and remarkable dedication on the part of thousands of Shell people. Today's Wood River Manufacturing Complex is a premier refinery serving the vast Midwest market.
Trace the history of Shell Wood River and neighboring communities as you look at early photographs and the many items of interest, including vintage gasoline pumps, glass motor oil bottles Shell product advertising and city maps.
The Shell History Museum was established in 1986 by a small group of retirees
who used a small trailer and later an office to sort, catagorize and
store the historical artifacts. On October 5, 1992, Shell volunteers began
renovating an unused research building adjacent to the refinery. Following
countless hours of work, the new museum was completed in September 1993 and
is staffed by volunteers.
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Located along Route 111 in Roxana, Illinois the Shell History Museum is open
to the individuals and small groups from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays
and Thursdays except holidays. There is no admission charge. The entrance
is located just North of the refinery main entrance along the outer road.
To arrange large group tours, please call in advance: (618) 255-3718
The above text is from the museum's brochure and is used with permission.
A replica of the original facade of one of the oldest Shell stations in the area has recently been added to the museum's exhibits, using actual artifacts from the original.
The museum sponsors an annual oil and gas collectibles swap meet in late September. For more info contact J.D. Slaton by email: jd@justfurfun.org or the museum.
The pride, knowledge and enthusiasm of the volunteers at the Shell History Museum are obvious in every aspect of its operation. The technological breakthroughs and accomplishments at Wood River set standards in the industry. It is well worth a special trip.
Shell also has museums and interpretive historical displays at its refineries
at Deer Park, Martinez and Houston. There is also a display in the lobby
of the corporate offices at One Shell Plaza, Houston, Texas.
Shell Museum official Web
site
Unique Shell station restoration
The gas station collectible supersite
Photos by Jim Potts
Updated 9/21/99 by Jim Potts
Petroliana