The Zillah Teapot Gas Station, a local landmark just about 15 miles South of Yakima off of Exit 54 on I-82 was constructed in 1922 by Jack Ainsworth of Zillah.
The Teapot was born of a government scandal involving the Secretary of the Interior, Albert Fall. Late in 1921 the Naval oil reserves at Teapot Dome, WY, and Elk Hill, CA, were put under the direction of the Department of Interior. Secretary Fall shortly thereafter leased the Teapot Dome Fields to oilman Henry Sinclair and Elk Hills went to Edward Doheny. This was done without any competitive bidding or following the proper procedures.
A Senate investigation uncovered unlawful financial dealings between the two men and Fall. Fall was convicted of accepting a bribe and sent to prison for a year. Sinclair was convicted of contempt of the Senate.
During this time Ainsworth planned and constructed the Teapot Gas Station. Later in 1927, by the Supreme Court, the oil fields were returned to control of the United States Government.
The historic building has survived many trials through the years including a relocation making it easier to access from I-82. One of the oldest operating stations at one time the Teapot is currently closed. Listed on the National Register of Historical Places it makes an interesting stop for the family to see a unique bit of the past.
Reported by the Yakima Herald Republic on January 18, 2007 the City of Zillah has agreed in principal with the owner of the Teapot to purchase the structure and the two acres that it sets on. The City has one year to raise the $ 125,000. purchase price. The building will then be moved to another location closer to Zillah and will be converted to a tourism information center. Although it would be sad to see the Teapot not operating as a gas station any longer it would be great if it is preserved. serving such a good purpose as a tourism information center can only publicize the Teapot and its history to more of the public.
The Teapot was born of a government scandal involving the Secretary of the Interior, Albert Fall. Late in 1921 the Naval oil reserves at Teapot Dome, WY, and Elk Hill, CA, were put under the direction of the Department of Interior. Secretary Fall shortly thereafter leased the Teapot Dome Fields to oilman Henry Sinclair and Elk Hills went to Edward Doheny. This was done without any competitive bidding or following the proper procedures.
A Senate investigation uncovered unlawful financial dealings between the two men and Fall. Fall was convicted of accepting a bribe and sent to prison for a year. Sinclair was convicted of contempt of the Senate.
During this time Ainsworth planned and constructed the Teapot Gas Station. Later in 1927, by the Supreme Court, the oil fields were returned to control of the United States Government.
The historic building has survived many trials through the years including a relocation making it easier to access from I-82. One of the oldest operating stations at one time the Teapot is currently closed. Listed on the National Register of Historical Places it makes an interesting stop for the family to see a unique bit of the past.
Reported by the Yakima Herald Republic on January 18, 2007 the City of Zillah has agreed in principal with the owner of the Teapot to purchase the structure and the two acres that it sets on. The City has one year to raise the $ 125,000. purchase price. The building will then be moved to another location closer to Zillah and will be converted to a tourism information center. Although it would be sad to see the Teapot not operating as a gas station any longer it would be great if it is preserved. serving such a good purpose as a tourism information center can only publicize the Teapot and its history to more of the public.
All content copyright 2006 Everything Northwest. Use of any content, photos or descriptions is prohibited without expressed written consent of Everything Northwest.
Yakima, Seattle, Olympia, Spokane, Boise, Portland, Cannon Beach, Port Townsend, Toppenish, Walla Walla, Lake Chelan, Seaside, Newport, Wenatchee, Roslyn
