Home of the inspiration for Tow Mater, Galena Kansas
Little's Service Station, a Kan-O-Tex station, was originally opened in 1934. The rusty 1951 International Boom truck that sits on the...
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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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Aug 15, 2021
Giant Praying Hands, Webb City Missouri
These hands are 32 feet high and rest atop a 40 foot man-made hill. They were placed here in the 1970's. You will see them from MacArthur...
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Aug 15, 2021
The "Missouri Mater" tow truck, Carterville Missouri
This old Chevy tow truck sits at Bulger Motor Company. The business has been in operation since 1946. The truck got the nick name...
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Aug 15, 2021
Iconic Steak 'n Shake with lots of original neon, Springfield Missouri
I wish I had gotten a better picture of the neon sign out front. It is fantastic. This Steak 'n Shake was build in 1962 and much of the...
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Aug 15, 2021
Rest Haven Court Neon Sign, Springfield Missouri
Built in 1947, this Motel is still in operation. The working neon sign was designed by the original owner and erected in 1953. It is said...
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Aug 15, 2021
1950's Neon Sign that still works! Lebanon Missouri
Built in 1946, the Munger Moss Motel is still in operation today. The neon sign still works and there are several Route 66 themed rooms....
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Aug 15, 2021
Giant Bowling Pin, Buckhorn Missouri
Another quirky Route 66 roadside attraction is this giant bowling pin advertisement for the Buckhorn Bowling Alley. It is located on...
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Aug 15, 2021
Dairy King Sign, Waynesville Missouri
This once neon sign was uncovered around 2016 during a renovation project. It didn't look like any business was opened at the location...
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Aug 13, 2021
Giant Frog Boulder, Waynseville Missouri
Sticking out of the side of a hill is a big boulder that has been painted like a giant frog. Just a fun sight to see on your drive along...
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Aug 13, 2021
Not too proud to say that I've eaten fudge from Uranus, St Robert Missouri
No trip across Missouri would be complete without a stop at the Uranus Fudge Factory. All joking aside, the fudge was delicious. There...
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Aug 13, 2021
Larry Baggett's Trail of Tears Memorial, Jerome Missouri
This is a super cool, folk artsy memorial. We had to find a place to park the bike which lead us in through the side and caused us to...
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Jul 17, 2021
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 11, 2021
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
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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