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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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Neon Pink Elephant, Rancho Mirage California
This historic neon sign has been standing at the Rancho Super Car Wash since 1966. Adding to 5 car washes in Washington state, this sign was originally created for an additional car wash in Portland but was packed into a moving truck with the families other belongings, rebuilt and installed at this location where it has become a treasured landmark. Locals have so much pride in the sign that in 2023 it was awarded a full historic designation to ensure it will remain as a perma
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May 3


Whiskey Bill, Pana Illinois
Standing out front of Whiskey Bill's Saloon and Liquor Emporium is this 20 foot tall, red jacketed, mustachioed gentleman, directing traffic towards the establishment. He was moved here from Chicago in 2021. He was an Arman's Hobo statue, made in the late 1960's, and originally would have been holding balloons in his out stretched hand and caring a hobo stick with a bag tied on the end in the other hand. He may be the last one of his kind so don't miss the opportunity to see
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May 3


Chief Bagnell, Lake Ozark Missouri
At the site of the former Two-Bit Town amusement park, where he went by the name Injun Joe, stands this iconic Indian Chief muffler man. The owners of the park added this giant to their park in the mid 1960's. The park has been closed for years now but the chief was restored and returned to his original spot on the Bagnell Dam Strip. Pull over and pay your respects to this legend that has been welcoming visitors for over five decades on Bagnell Dam Boulevard in Lake Ozark, MO
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May 3


Barn Roof Ford, Wapella Illinois
This 1955 Ford Customline Tudor has been placed on the roof of a barn out in the country. While stopping to snap a photo, a neighbor drove by and asked if I needed any assistance, as country folk do. I asked if they knew the story behind the car. They said that they had heard that two eccentric brothers had lived there at the time and a tornado had damaged the cupola on their barn. They had taken the ford to trade it in at a local car dealer and they didn't think they were be
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May 3


Giant High Heels, Henderson North Carolina
Across the road from the giant legs are a pair of giant high heel shoes. To appear, perhaps, as if this is were she cast them off. Another creation from Ricky Pearce who says the art pieces were inspired by Marilyn Monroe. The giant stiletto heels are on either side of an archway that reads "High NC Heels". You'll find these as well on Welcome Avenue in Henderson, NC
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May 3


Giant Legs, Henderson North Carolina
This was a curious find, to say the least.... One doesn't expect to find a pair of 40 foot long, 17 foot high concrete legs in a pose that could only be described as enthusiastically inviting alongside the road. The art piece is complete with a garter belt and bush planted strategically between the thighs. It was created by local artist Ricky Pearce in 2005 and has an archway entrance with the title of the piece, "Reminiscing", across it. If you are looking for a unique roads
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May 3


Buchanan's Store, Manson North Carolina
This store was opened in 1878 by Robert Lee Buchanan and his brothers and has been patiently waiting since then, floors creaking, screen door slamming, ready to sell you whatever you didn’t know you needed. They claim to be the longest continually running country store on the East Coast. There's a little bit of everything inside and their slogan is "If we ain't got it, you don't need it." If for no other reason than just to walk across the well worn, uneven original wood flo
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May 3
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