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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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Big Green Saguaro Cactus Neon Sign, Albuquerque New Mexico
At first I thought this sign was a little bossy and perhap somewhat judgemental, stating "Westward Ho!". Then I realized it was just a...
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Jun 17, 2023


El Don Motel, Albuquerque New Mexico
This great neon sign with the cowboy on horseback, lassoing the name "El Don" was one of my favorite neon signs that day on Route 66. The...
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Jun 17, 2023


Hiway House Motel, Albuquerque New Mexico
This motel was built in 1958 as part of a chain created by Del Webb, co-owner of the New York Yankees, general contractor for mob boss...
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Jun 8, 2023


Premier Motel, Albuquerque New Mexico
Another great futuristic designed neon sign that was added in the 1960's. This motel was opened in 1941 and still hosts guests today, but...
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Jun 8, 2023


Tewa Lodge, Albuquerque New Mexico
While not the original sign for this motel built in 1946, it is still an old classic neon from around the 1960's. The motel building is...
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Jun 8, 2023


The Sun 'N Sand Motel & Restaurant, Santa Rosa New Mexico
The motel, built in the 1950's, was in pretty bad shape when we saw it, but the neon sign is still standing. The restaurant is still in operation and has a great neon sign that still works as well. You can see these neon signs on Route 66 in Santa Rosa, NM
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Mar 25, 2023


La Mesa Motel Vintage Neon Sign, Santa Rosa new Mexico
The La Mesa Motel was built in the 1940's and added on to in the 1960's. It is still operating today and you can see the neon sign on...
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Mar 25, 2023


Buckaroo Motel, Tucumcari New Mexico
Not the original neon sign, but still an eye catcher. It's a combination of neon and incandescent lighting with a buckaroo on a bucking...
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Mar 25, 2023


Thunderbird Neon Sign, Tucumcari New Mexico
I love this neon sign. It sits out front of the Pow Wow Restaurant and Lizard Lounge. This establishment was added to the Congress Inn...
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Mar 25, 2023


Doesn't Get Better Than Seeing a Neon Camel On Hump Day, Tucumcari New Mexico
No joke, it was Wednesday when I snapped this photo. The Motel Safari was built in 1959 and has maintained it's original neon sign. It...
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Mar 25, 2023


Another Iconic Route 66 Attraction, Tucumcari New Mexico
I was really excited to see the neon sign at the Blue Swallow Motel. I've seen images of it in relation to Route 66 many times and I was...
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Mar 25, 2023


Roadrunner Lodge, Tucumcari New Mexico
While the sign is not vintage neon and the place has been restored and updated, I included this motel because of what's inside. We stayed...
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Mar 25, 2023


Last/First Stop in Texas, Glenrio Texas
The State Line Cafe & Gas Station and the Longhorn Motel built in 1953 and 1955 were built right on the state line betweeen Texas and New...
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Mar 8, 2023


Classic Texas Styled Sign, Amarillo Texas
The Cowboy Motel has another great Texas style sign that sits right behind the Cattleman's Club sign. The motel was built in the 1950's...
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Feb 23, 2023


Cactus Inn Motel Sign, McLean Texas
The large cactus shaped sign used to stand in front of the motel where the smaller sign is now, with lots of cacti planted by it. The...
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Feb 23, 2023


Another Western Motel, Sayre Oklahoma
There are/were probably others, it seems to be a popular theme on Route 66. This neon sign is very unique and has a lot of character. The...
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Oct 17, 2021


Cotton Boll Motel Neon Sign, Canute Oklahoma
In 1960 the Pecks, former cotton farmers, built the 16 room motel. The motel closed in 1979, but the iconic neon sign remains. It seems...
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Oct 17, 2021


Orbit City Style Neon Motel Sign, El Reno Oklahoma
The Ranger Motel has another great neon sign from the 1950's is. It caught my eye because I thought it had a sort of Jetsons Space Age...
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Oct 17, 2021


Well-Preserved Neon Sign, Bethany Oklahoma
This large iconic neon sign wearing a cowboy hat is in great condition and stands in front of the Wester Motel, a typical Route 66 era...
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Oct 16, 2021


Hard to miss this tall Neon Sign, Stroud Oklahoma
The "L" shaped Skyliner Motel opened in 1959 and is still hosting guests today. The motel's great neon sign points the way to your room....
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Oct 16, 2021
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