The Last Remaining Shell Oil Clamshell Station: A Unique Piece of History

It’s historic, unique, and unusual—and it’s a gas station. They don’t make them like this anymore. Located in a residential area of Winston-Salem, this gas station is shaped like an old clam shell. Built in the 1930s, the station’s unique design, made from stucco over wood and wireframe, was part of a creative marketing strategy. Back then, Shell didn’t rely on social media but on eye-catching architecture to attract customers.

Eight clamshell stations were built in Winston-Salem, with one more in Kernersville, by Quality Oil distributors Joe Glenn and Bert Bennett. The design embodied Shell’s brand, turning the logo into a real-world symbol. Shell’s logo, first inspired by a mussel shell, evolved into a scallop design, possibly influenced by founder Marcus Samuel’s family coat of arms.

Constructing these stations was no small feat. The clamshell structure housed an office and bathroom encased in bent wood and wire, finished with stucco. The last of these stations operated until the 1950s and later became a lawn mower repair shop. In 1976, it became the first individual gas station in the U.S. to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, the clamshell station is a preserved landmark, filled with vintage memorabilia, old Shell signs, and historic photographs. Managed by Preservation North Carolina, it stands as a tribute to a bygone era, ensuring its legacy will endure.

Come by and snap some pictures—it’s easy to find on Google Maps. This unique station is a great photo opportunity, and you’ll be witnessing a piece of history. Please keep it intact though, as the site is under 24-hour video surveillance to protect this historical treasure. Remember, there were only eight of these stations in the entire USA, and this is the last one standing. Make sure to stop by and see it for yourself next time you’re in Winston-Salem.

Address:
1111 E Sprague St
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27107
United States