Burdette's Pure Oil Station
Oak Hill, West Virginia
It seems likely that Hank Williams' car stopped at Burdette's
Pure Oil Service Station in Oak Hill shortly after leaving the
Skyline Drive-In
in Hilltop. It seems the police became involved at this point. Hank
was taken a short distance up the road to the hospital where he was pronounced
dead. He was then taken directly across Main Street to
Tyree Funeral Home,
where his autopsy was performed. Meanwhile, Hank's car was stored in one
of the garages at the Pure Oil Station.
The service station still (as of 2006) looks much the same.
The hospital is a short walk up the street but has undergone much remodeling and
expansion. The Mr. Tyree has moved his business elsewhere but the old
funeral home still stands though a bit remodeled. Across the street from
the service station is the Herbert E. Jones Library. The front lawn
displays a bronze memorial plaque to Hank Williams.
DECEMBER 2006 NEWS: The Pure Oil Station was torn
down in mid-December 2006. It seems the town couldn't decide about turning
it into a museum. Tragically, the owner grew tired and had the station
demolished. Thanks to Chea for the news tip. A news story can be
found
here. For the record, the
photos below were taken on July 24, 2006, less than five months before the
destruction of the historic structure. I also shot some video and will try
to upload it soon.
The above photo is looking north on U.S. Route 19. This
is the direction Hank William's car was traveling.
Burdette's Pure Oil Station is at the left edge of the photo (below the water
tower).
The Oak Hill hospital can be seen at the right edge of the photo.
The hospital is the brick building seen just below the Ford/Mercury/Lincoln
sign.
The grassy area at the right of the photo is the front lawn of the
library where Oak Hill has erected a memorial to Hank Williams.
The above photo is a view through the side window of the
service station.
The open door leads to the garage area where Hank's car was stored.
