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In my travels on the back roads doing genealogy research, I’ve seen hundreds of remnants of times gone by. These iconic symbols of "Americana" inspired me to create this blog. By documenting them, I'll remember and maybe you'll find something interesting to hunt down next time you are in one of these areas!
You can use the search feature in the blog to look for specific cities or states. Enjoy!
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Giant Dripping Neon Faucet, St James Missouri
Originally in St Louis, in 1948, the giant faucet advertised Friede Plumbing Company. Their son moved the sign to St James in the mid...
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Jul 17, 2021
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Wow, just wow, Fanning Missouri
Hands down the best collection of memorabilia I have ever seen. Bob's Gasoline Alley. We could have stayed here the rest of the day....
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Jul 17, 2021
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Unique Stone Cabin Motel, Cuba Missouri
The Wagon Wheel Motel claims to be the oldest continuously operating Motel on Route 66 and I'm sure someone would have called them out on...
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Jul 17, 2021
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Rain Delay Humor, St Claire Missouri
The only rain we saw on the whole ride from Chicago to Santa Monica was on the 2nd day of our Route 66 trip. It only rained heavily for...
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Jul 17, 2021
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Why Don't We Use Barn Signs Anymore?, St Claire Missouri
These barn advertisements sure bring back childhood memories! I love them. There are not many left out there and especially not ones in...
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Jul 17, 2021
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Sunset Motel Neon Sign, Villa Ridge Missouri
They look a little weathered, but these signs were restored in 2009. The motel is still in operation, but only as weekend rentals. It was...
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Jul 17, 2021
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Brick, Glass, Steel and Neon, Gray Summit Missouri
I love this neon sign. The base is glass blocks and bricks. It stands in front of the now closed Gardenway Motel which closed in 2014...
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Jul 17, 2021
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Crestwood Bowl Sign, St Louis Missouri
This sign is still lit at night in front of the Crestwood Bowl which was opened in 1958 by three professional bowlers; Dick Weber, Pat...
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Jul 11, 2021
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But First.... Donuts! St Louis Missouri
So much old neon on this strip of Route 66, this one is right down the road from the Auto Seat Covers sign. The Donut Drive In opened in...
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Jul 11, 2021
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Auto Seat Covers Neon Sign, St Louis Missouri
This stretch of Route 66 has lots of old businesses and signs. I don't know too much about this old neon sign, I just liked it! It's out...
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Jul 11, 2021
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A lost piece of American roadside travel history, St Louis Missouri
So glad I snapped a picture of this cool old neon Budweiser sign. It just stood out to me as iconically St. Louis. It was on the front of...
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Jul 10, 2021
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Much bigger than it looks in the photo, St Louis Missouri
My photo doesn't do this gigantic sign justice. It is actually 40 foot tall and 60 foot wide. It's been standing on top of this building...
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Jul 10, 2021
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Famous Chain of Rocks Bridge, St Louis Missouri
The bridge connects Illinois and Missouri across the Mississippi River. It is unique in the fact that it has a 22 degree bend in the...
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Jul 10, 2021
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Still open after almost 100 years, Mitchell Illinois
Opened in 1924, the Luna Cafe is said to have been frequented by mobsters like Al Capone. In addition to the cafe on the main floor, they...
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Jul 10, 2021
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Harley Davidson Man Giant, Livingston Illinois
Ringing the giant total up on our Route 66 trip to seven is another "Muffler Man". Wish I knew what this Harley man's history was, but...
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Jul 7, 2021
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UFO Siting, Livingston Illinois
Originally designed in 1968 as portable ski chalets, this "Futuro House" is one of the remaining examples of this iconic architecture...
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Jul 7, 2021
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Giant Surfer Dude, Livingston Illinois
Another unique giant at the Pink Elephant Antique Mall. At 27 feet tall, he stands outside of the Antique Mall which is in the gymnasium...
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Jul 7, 2021
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Uniroyal Gal Waitress Giant and Ice Cream Cone Building, Livingston Illinois
The Pink Elephant Antique Mall has several advertising giants on display. These two are advertising their Twistee Treat Diner which...
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Jul 7, 2021
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Henry's Ra66it Ranch, Staunton Illinois
Definitely not something you see every day. This is a must see stop on Route 66. There's an old service station now gift shop, a...
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Jul 7, 2021
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Giant Rocking Chair, Staunton Illinois
Love these "giant" advertising gimmicks. Here's another one at Route 66 Storage and Markets on Route 66 in Staunton, IL
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Jul 7, 2021
55 views
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