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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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Henning Motel Neon Sign, Newberry Springs California
This sign was also featured in the 1987 movie Bagdad Cafe. The motel itself was built in the 1950's. It's gone now, but long after the...
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5 days ago
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Bagdad Cafe, Newberry Springs California
Built in 1975, this classic looking A-framed entrance building may look familiar to some. It's a cinematic shrine that was originally the...
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5 days ago
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Whiting Bros Service Station, Newberry Springs California
Starting as just a restaurant, you can barely see the faded ghost signage of Tony's Cafe Italian and American Dishes on side of the...
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5 days ago
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Texaco Gas Station, Needles California
The old Stout Texaco from the 1950's has been restored to a postcard-perfect snapshot of mid-century Americana. The whitewashed walls...
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5 days ago
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Sage Motel Neon Sign, Needles California
The motel closed in 2009, but thankfully, this charmingly retro sign remains like a time capsule full of tales from travelers past. The...
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5 days ago
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Needles Route 66 Monument, Needles California
This fun roadside attraction in Needles is a great representation of what you might expect to find there. Needles, where the Colorado...
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5 days ago
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The Welcome Wagon, Needles California
This big borax wagon was once part of the signage for the El Rancho Motel. Borax wagons were used to move borax (a type of salt), dug up...
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5 days ago
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66 Motel Neon Sign, Needles California
This sign stands like a quirky, timeworn postcard from America’s road-tripping heyday. It stands across from the former Motel, and was...
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5 days ago
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Mr D'z Route 66 Diner, Kingman Arizona
Originally a Shell gas station and cafe built in 1938, this pink-and-turquoise gem is less a diner and more a love letter to the glory...
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5 days ago
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Packard Neon Sign, Kingman Arizona
On the front of the Old Trails Garage, is this 1930's era Packard Motor Car Company neon sign with the classic "Ask The Man Who Owns One"...
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5 days ago
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Hotel Beale, Kingman Arizona
I could see this sign way down the road. What a great way to advertise. The hotel was built in 1899, after fire destroyed the original...
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Feb 27
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Unique Water Tanks, Kingman Arizona
I liked the newer water tanks boldly proclaiming Kingman as the "Heart of Historic Route 66" and the old style water tower still standing...
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Feb 27
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Arcadia Lodge, Kingman Arizona
Opened in 1938 as the Arcadia Court, this motel is still operating with this somewhat simple Googie styled 1960's neon sign. You'll find...
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Feb 27
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Ramblin' Rose Motel, Kingman Arizona
So many classic motels along Route 66 in Kingman Arizona. This one was built in 1958 and is also still operating today. The sign really...
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Feb 27
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El Trovatore Motel, Kingman Arizona
Again, I was so focused on this great restored and working neon sign, that I didn't get the giant tower sign, which is also working neon,...
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Feb 27
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Hill Top Motel, Kingman Arizona
I had to look at google street view to see if they kept this great neon sign as part of the renovations that were underway when we passed...
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Feb 27
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Siesta Motel, Kingman Arizona
The motel was built in 1929 and the original giraffe pattern stone building still stands. I wish I would have snapped a photo of the...
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Feb 27
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Home of Giganticus Headicus, Antares Arizona
This big A framed building with the tall Googie style sign stands out on a fairly bare stretch of road. The Ranchero Gift Shop began as a...
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Feb 27
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Hackberry General Store, Hackberry Arizona
Couldn't pass up an opportunity to stop at the iconic Hackberry General Store. It opened in 1934 with a Conoco gas station that ran until...
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Feb 27
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Valentine Station, Valentine Arizona
I'm not sure what brand gas station this was, but it was built in 1945 and after sitting vacant for some time, it was opened as a gift...
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Feb 27
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