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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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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Jul 7, 2021
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
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
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
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
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
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
Soulsby Service Station, Mt Olive Illinois
The Soulsby family opened this station in 1926 and served gas on Route 66 for 65 years. The current owner has restored it and it looks...
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Jul 6, 2021
Warning! Turkey Crossing, Nilwood Illinois
This was a bit out of the way on the 1926-1930 alignment of Route 66 but so worth the trip. A lot of twisting, turning, rough and bumpy...
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Jul 6, 2021
Brick Road Section of Route 66, Auburn Illinois
A rare stretch of brick road that runs over a mile on the 1926-1930 alignment between Chatham and Auburn. We were pleasantly surprised at...
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Jul 6, 2021
Second Giant "Muffler Man", Springfield Illinois
The second giant we saw in Springfield and the fourth of our trip is the Lauterbach Giant. He once held a tire but for several years now...
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Jul 6, 2021
Well-traveled Filling Station, Springfield Illinois
Mahan's Filling Station opened over 100 years ago and has been moved twice. First from it's original location to the now-closed Shea's...
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Jun 20, 2021
30 Foot Axe Wielding Abraham Lincoln, Springfield Illinois
Right past the main gate of the Illinois State Fairgrounds is a 30 foot, clean-shaven, young and skinny Abraham Lincoln statue. I had to...
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Jun 20, 2021
The Old Station, Williamsville Illinois
This gas station from the 1930's has a great collection of Route 66 era gas station signs and pumps, with other classic signs and...
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May 10, 2021
“And just like that, we're on our way to everywhere” – Emery Lord, Williamsville Illinois
This funny distance road sign caught my attention. The photo is a little blurry, keep in mind that I was taking the photo from the back...
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May 5, 2021
The Pig Hip Restaurant Memorial, Broadwell Illinois
Originally the location of the Pig Hip Restaurant, home of the "Pig Hip Sandwich", and then a museum about the Pig Hip and Route 66. This...
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May 5, 2021
Giant Hot Dog Man, Atlanta Illinois
The second "Giant" we saw on our trip. He was originally located outside of Bunyon's Hot Dog Stand in Cicero IL and is a brother to the...
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May 5, 2021
Sprague's Super Service Station, Normal Illinois
Built in 1931 by William Sprague, this service station sold Cities Service gas. The three gas pumps out front are the only Cities Service...
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May 5, 2021
1932 Standard Oil Station, Odell Illinois
This restored gas station is now a Gift Shop. It also has lots of vintage auto and motorcycle memorabilia on display in the old service...
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May 5, 2021
Restored 1930's Ambler's Texaco Gas Station, Dwight Illinois
Originally opened in 1933, the station gets its name from longtime manager Basil “Tubby” Ambler, who operated the station from 1938 to...
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