top of page
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!
Search
info543130
Jan 25, 2024
Giant Cowboy, Gallup New Mexico
We spotted another muffler man on top of John's Used Cars, standing in the classic muffler man pose. I couldn't find much of anything...
7 views0 comments
info543130
Jan 25, 2024
Spanish Style Theatre, Gallup New Mexico
This was one of my favorite buildings in Gallup. I was so happy to see the Spanish style facade from 1928 is in such great condition. The...
5 views0 comments
info543130
Oct 30, 2023
Gallup Coffee Company Sign, Gallup New Mexico
While not an old sign, you gotta love the fact that the coffee shop owners kept with the theme of their historic building and the...
5 views0 comments
info543130
Oct 30, 2023
Ghostly El Navajo Garage Sign, Gallup New Mexico
I love to see the faded remains of signage from old buildings like this one that left it's mark on the current New Mexico Pottery Company...
2 views0 comments
info543130
Oct 30, 2023
Schlitz Beer Mural, Gallup New Mexico
I had to take a picture of this mural as I thought that it was a blast from the past but apparently, they still make Schlitz beer. I...
14 views0 comments
info543130
Oct 30, 2023
El Coronado Motel Neon Sign, Gallup New Mexico
One of many unique Route 66 era motels that are now abandoned in Gallup. Originally a Service Garage and Motel Court, it was built around...
4 views0 comments
info543130
Oct 30, 2023
Historic El Rancho Motel Sign, Gallup New Mexico
The sign lights up in bright yellow and red and is beautifully maintained. Many old western films were filmed in Gallup and when in town,...
5 views0 comments
info543130
Oct 30, 2023
Arrowhead Lodge Neon Sign, Gallup New Mexico
Some time in the 1960's, probably to catch the traveler's eye, this bright neon sign replaced a much more subdued stone arrowhead sign...
7 views0 comments
info543130
Oct 30, 2023
El Capitan Motel Sign, Gallup New Mexico
The newer sign has been refurbished but still shows the 1960's style sign posts from the old sign and there's an even older smaller neon...
6 views0 comments
info543130
Oct 30, 2023
Googie Style Neon Sign, Gallup New Mexico
Another of my favorite futuristic looking neon signs. The Road Runner Motel was torn down in 2017 but they had left the sign. Sadly, I...
6 views0 comments
info543130
Oct 30, 2023
Continental Divide Sign, Continental Divide New Mexico
Heading west on Route 66 this was the first of many Contenintal Divide signs that mark the spot. This one is located in front of the...
6 views0 comments
info543130
Aug 11, 2023
Vintage Quonset Hut Store, Prewitt New Mexico
If you look closely, you'll see the word "BAR" across the top of the faux front of the former Tomahawk Bar building, that has been...
7 views0 comments
info543130
Aug 11, 2023
Former Rattlesnake Trading Post, Bluewater New Mexico
This old building was formerly the Rattlesnake Trading Post which opened in 1945. The sun was too bright when I snapped this photo but...
20 views0 comments
info543130
Aug 11, 2023
Allen's Garage, Bluewater New Mexico
Opened on Route 66 in January 1955, the building and faded sign still stand. I wish I would have gotten the 1940's vintage chevy truck...
10 views0 comments
info543130
Aug 11, 2023
10 Gallon Hat Neon Sign, Milan New Mexico
I'm so glad that they kept this great shield shaped sign with the 10 gallon hat on top for Pinkston's Western Wear. The business appears...
6 views0 comments
info543130
Aug 11, 2023
Repurposed Neon Sign, Milan New Mexico
This big neon sign was originally made in 1958 for the Frontier Bar and Restaurant. In the 1950's and 60's there was also a Frontier Inn...
8 views0 comments
info543130
Aug 11, 2023
Another Lost Neon Sign, Grants New Mexico
All that was left of this motel was it's classic neon sign, but sadly it has been removed too since we were there. I don't know anything...
7 views0 comments
info543130
Jul 15, 2023
Hollywood Diner, Grants New Mexico
You can barely see the name "Hollywood" at the top of this vintage neon diner sign. The diner opened in 1955 and closed in 2008. The old...
20 views0 comments
info543130
Jul 15, 2023
Pat's Lounge, Grants New Mexico
Sentimentally, I was drawn to this sign as Patrick "Pat" was my late husband's name. I also loved the look of the building. It has a...
10 views0 comments
info543130
Jul 15, 2023
Roarin' 20's Speakeasy sign, Grants New Mexico
Even looking behind the tree you can't read the bottom part of the sign any more, but it used to say "Bar Speak-easy Grill". The sign was...
6 views0 comments
bottom of page