Fair Price & Friendly Service For Almost 90 Years!

Spencer Oil began in July 1931 when 21-year-old Vivian "Viv" Spencer took out a $500 loan to build a two-pump gas station at the edge of Cooksville, IL. Through years of hard work, dedication, and the loyalty of area farmers, the business weathered more than a few storms. Through it all, his motto—fair price, friendly service—was his compass

Spencer Oil continues to be a family business just as it was in 1931. Viv's nephew and great nephew are at the helm. The shop offers full service gas, auto repairs, state truck inspections and an expanding fuel delivery service.

Fair Price - Friendly Service still rings as true today as it did in 1931. We've been around a while so we don't have high overhead like dealerships and other shops which enables us to maintain fair competitive pricing.

So, stop by and see us for a fill-up, snacks and a friendly hello. We'll be here for you in all kinds of weather...rain, shine, sleet, snow...or even a tornado.

Pictured: Spencer Oil gas station circa 1930

A Deeper Dive into Our History

Adapting in tough times
When WW2 began, Viv joined the Navy and left his wife, Onie, in charge of the business. She managed to get by selling gas and ice cream until Viv returned from the war. His younger brother, Harlan—a marine—decided his position delivering auto parts between Woodstock and Chicago was exhausting. So, he gratefully cut down his mileage and joined the business with a $1,000 buy-in which left him only $20 in his bank account to feed his growing young family.

Pictured: Bergan and Vivian circa 1967 (right click and open in new window to view full)

Evolving in prosperity
In 1949, the business became affiliated with Sinclair Gas. After 27 more years of grease, sweat, backaches, card games, and nicknames cultivated from inside jokes, Viv retired. Harlan, also known as “Harch” or “Bergan” continued on and trained up the next generation with his wife Helen, also known as “Lightning”, who did the bookkeeping.

Pictured: Harlan in the mid-1950s.

Training up the 2nd generation
Harlan and Helen’s young son, Terry, became a regular at the shop from the time he was two. Nicknamed “Toad”, young Terry learned to operate the register as he perched on top of a crate. As a young teen, his father continued to school him in hard work and customer service. Toad changed oil, pumped gas, and later earned a business degree from Illinois State University. In 1981, Toad became a full partner in the business with his Dad.

Pictured: Spencer Oil in 1985.

Rebuilding
In 1997 the business was split in two by a tornado. Thankfully no one was seriously hurt and everyone in town pitched in to help clear debris and rebuild. This helped the station rebound quickly and kept fuel supplies flowing for area farmers who depended on it’s success. By 2011, the station added three service bays and provided rural fuel delivery.

Pictured: Spencer Oil before tornado struck circa 1997.

Discouragement backfires
When Toad’s son, Greg, showed interest in the family business, he encouraged him to get business experience without grease embedded fingernails and office hours that began before dawn and lasted long after dark. After earning a degree from ISU, Greg followed his Dad’s advice and pursued a career in banking a few miles down the road.

Meanwhile, Toad coached his grandson, Kyle, around the station. He was hoping the experience would also discourage Greg’s son and encourage him to pursue a different career path. Kyle continues his affiliation with Spencer Oil, working part-time while pursuing his education.

Pictured: Spencer Oil in 2019

Transition begins
In 2018, Greg left corporate life and became a business partner at the station, allowing his father to slow down a bit. Entering 2019, long-time employee, and Greg's son-in-law, Luke Harris, became a business partner. Together, Greg and Luke are committed to keeping the "fair price, friendly service" motto while making improvements and ensuring strategic growth for the next generation.

We are a NAPA AutoCare Center

As a NAPA AutoCare Center, we back qualifying work through nationwide warranty. Our shop uses high-quality parts and meets all requirements necessary to provide the automotive service and customer service you expect and value from your service provider.

Reasons to Choose Spencer Oil

• Tire Selection: Ask about our selection of tires for sale. We feature leading brands like Cooper, Mastercraft, and Hankook. In addition to passenger car and light truck tires, we offer farm and ATV tires. Call for more information.
• Automotive Repairs: Get repairs to keep your vehicle running like it should. We offer battery replacement, belt and hose replacement, brake repairs, cooling system services, steering and suspension work, and more.
• Nationwide Warranty: Drive with peace of mind knowing your qualifying repair is covered through the NAPA Peace of Mind Warranty. It's just one of the benefits of choosing your local, NAPA AutoCare Center.
• Preventive Maintenance: Follow your owner's manual for recommended maintenance services. See us for your next lube and oil change, oil filter change, air filter change, and spring/winter checkup
• Fuel Delivery: We offer bulk fuel delivery for farm/AG customers. Contact us to request your service.
• Full-Service Gas Station: Experience the days when refueling your vehicle meant staying in your car while the service attendant took care of the rest, including a complimentary check under the hood and window cleaning; try our full service gas station the next time you need to fill up your tank.

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We’re proud to serve Cooksville, IL, Bloomington, IL, Normal, IL, and surrounding areas.