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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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info543130
Jul 15, 2023
Sands Motel Neon Sign, Grants New Mexico
I love these old space age styled neon signs. The style is actually called Googie, but I think they look like they came straight out of a...
7 views0 comments
info543130
Jul 15, 2023
"Your Home On The Road", Franciscan Lodge, Grants New Mexico
Originally built as a cafe and motel in 1950, this neon sign was originally on top of the building and was moved to the three tall poles...
15 views0 comments
info543130
Jun 17, 2023
Big Green Saguaro Cactus Neon Sign, Albuquerque New Mexico
At first I thought this sign was a little bossy and perhap somewhat judgemental, stating "Westward Ho!". Then I realized it was just a...
5 views0 comments
info543130
Jun 17, 2023
El Don Motel, Albuquerque New Mexico
This great neon sign with the cowboy on horseback, lassoing the name "El Don" was one of my favorite neon signs that day on Route 66. The...
27 views0 comments
info543130
Jun 8, 2023
Hiway House Motel, Albuquerque New Mexico
This motel was built in 1958 as part of a chain created by Del Webb, co-owner of the New York Yankees, general contractor for mob boss...
6 views0 comments
info543130
Jun 8, 2023
Premier Motel, Albuquerque New Mexico
Another great futuristic designed neon sign that was added in the 1960's. This motel was opened in 1941 and still hosts guests today, but...
8 views0 comments
info543130
Jun 8, 2023
Tewa Lodge, Albuquerque New Mexico
While not the original sign for this motel built in 1946, it is still an old classic neon from around the 1960's. The motel building is...
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info543130
Mar 25, 2023
The Sun 'N Sand Motel & Restaurant, Santa Rosa New Mexico
The motel, built in the 1950's, was in pretty bad shape when we saw it, but the neon sign is still standing. The restaurant is still in...
14 views0 comments
info543130
Mar 25, 2023
La Mesa Motel Vintage Neon Sign, Santa Rosa new Mexico
The La Mesa Motel was built in the 1940's and added on to in the 1960's. It is still operating today and you can see the neon sign on...
6 views0 comments
info543130
Mar 25, 2023
Buckaroo Motel, Tucumcari New Mexico
Not the original neon sign, but still an eye catcher. It's a combination of neon and incandescent lighting with a buckaroo on a bucking...
6 views0 comments
info543130
Mar 25, 2023
Thunderbird Neon Sign, Tucumcari New Mexico
I love this neon sign. It sits out front of the Pow Wow Restaurant and Lizard Lounge. This establishment was added to the Congress Inn...
11 views0 comments
info543130
Mar 25, 2023
Doesn't Get Better Than Seeing a Neon Camel On Hump Day, Tucumcari New Mexico
No joke, it was Wednesday when I snapped this photo. The Motel Safari was built in 1959 and has maintained it's original neon sign. It...
5 views0 comments
info543130
Mar 25, 2023
Another Iconic Route 66 Attraction, Tucumcari New Mexico
I was really excited to see the neon sign at the Blue Swallow Motel. I've seen images of it in relation to Route 66 many times and I was...
9 views0 comments
info543130
Mar 25, 2023
Roadrunner Lodge, Tucumcari New Mexico
While the sign is not vintage neon and the place has been restored and updated, I included this motel because of what's inside. We stayed...
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info543130
Mar 8, 2023
Last/First Stop in Texas, Glenrio Texas
The State Line Cafe & Gas Station and the Longhorn Motel built in 1953 and 1955 were built right on the state line betweeen Texas and New...
7 views0 comments
info543130
Feb 23, 2023
Classic Texas Styled Sign, Amarillo Texas
The Cowboy Motel has another great Texas style sign that sits right behind the Cattleman's Club sign. The motel was built in the 1950's...
10 views0 comments
info543130
Feb 23, 2023
Cactus Inn Motel Sign, McLean Texas
The large cactus shaped sign used to stand in front of the motel where the smaller sign is now, with lots of cacti planted by it. The...
18 views0 comments
info543130
Oct 17, 2021
Another Western Motel, Sayre Oklahoma
There are/were probably others, it seems to be a popular theme on Route 66. This neon sign is very unique and has a lot of character. The...
6 views0 comments
info543130
Oct 17, 2021
Cotton Boll Motel Neon Sign, Canute Oklahoma
In 1960 the Pecks, former cotton farmers, built the 16 room motel. The motel closed in 1979, but the iconic neon sign remains. It seems...
7 views0 comments
info543130
Oct 17, 2021
Orbit City Style Neon Motel Sign, El Reno Oklahoma
The Ranger Motel has another great neon sign from the 1950's is. It caught my eye because I thought it had a sort of Jetsons Space Age...
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