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| Bikers line up outside Seaba Station during a Poker Run |
Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum
Today, Seaba Station is a novelty stop for those who are out to explore Route 66, the historic roadway that cuts through Oklahoma. At one time, the station was one of the state's first full-service filling stations, doing big business as travelers used one of America's most famous highways.
Even in the 1920's when John Seaba built his filling station, the building was anything but ordinary. At the time it was located on Highway 7, which was part of the historic Ozark Trails. (near Warwick, Oklahoma).The station would be several years old before Route 66 became an officially licensed highway.
Unlike the usual square buildings, Seaba stations was a five-sided structure, with the gas pumps located inside the central service bay.
Seaba specialized in rebuilding Model T Fords. To provide space for this, he added a large workshop to the back of the station. The 1930's saw an increase of traffic, and the station, with it's unique appearance, attracted plenty of business. Although the station was flourishing in it's prime, it began to lose business after gasoline rationing during and after WWII.
Seaba converted the building from a filling station to a full time repair shop where he and his employees rebuilt engines for military vehicles.
Seaba Station continued to be a engine repair shop until the 1990's. During the 1950's, it was owned and operated by a widow who took over it's management after the death of her husband in an airplane crash. June Briggs faced a lot of controversy at the time, since women didn't typically run businesses. Especially not engine repair shops! She must have done a fine job of holding her own, since she was recognized by "Motor Trend" and "Hot Rod" magazine.
After Briggs, the store was purchased and restored by a couple who used it for an antiques store for a few years. It took them over five years to restore the building enough to be used for a new business.
In 2007, the station was purchased by it's current owners, Gerald Tims and Jerry Ries.
Today, Seaba station is still a spectacularly unique building. Both inside and out. The current owners did more restoration and remodeling, and began moving in an eye-catching variety of motorcycles to display. Check out the 1979 Triumph Bonneville below. This bike has never been unpacked from it's original shipping crate.
You can stop buy anytime and see not only this incredible motorcycle, but a group of motorcycle enthusiasts mourning over the fact that such a beauty has never been ridden. And most likely never will be.
The museum has more than just "real" motorcycles. It has memorabilia, vintage tools and equipment, parts, art, and other novelties too. For instance, the incredible woven wicker motorcycle seen below. According to Travel OK, the museum has over 65 vintage motorcycles currently on display. You can also admire motorcycle toys, magazines, posters, gear, clothing, helmets and more from days gone by.
Don't forget to stop by the gift shop. You can't visit one of the most historic buildings on Route 66 and not buy a shirt. Or at least a postcard. And don't even think about the Triumph. It ain't for sale!
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| Yes...they even have a wicker motorcycle. A must see for motorcycle OR hamper enthusiasts. |
Check out Seaba Station's Website. They are hosting a Motorcycle Swap Meet on September 22, 2013.
(Guest post by blogger and freelance writer, Jayme Kinsey-writer for Write Here and Now)