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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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1932 Standard Oil Station, Odell Illinois
This restored gas station is now a Gift Shop. It also has lots of vintage auto and motorcycle memorabilia on display in the old service...
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May 5, 2021


Restored 1930's Ambler's Texaco Gas Station, Dwight Illinois
Originally opened in 1933, the station gets its name from longtime manager Basil “Tubby” Ambler, who operated the station from 1938 to...
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May 5, 2021


Polk-a-Dot Drive In 1950's diner, Braidwood Illinois
Founded over 50 years ago, the diner has a 50's decor with a collection of memorabilia. It is located on N Front St (Highway 53) in...
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May 5, 2021


The Gemini Giant, Wilmington Illinois
This was the first "Giant" we saw on our Route 66 trip. It is one of the few survivors of advertising sculptures that were made in the...
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May 4, 2021


Dick's on 66, Joliet Illinois
This fun building is located next to Dick's Towing Service and was created by the business owners as a Route 66 attraction. It is one of...
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May 4, 2021


Unique Architecture of the Castle Car Wash, Chicago Illinois
Traveling west on Ogden Avenue, be on the lookout for what remains of the Castle Car Wash on the south side of the road at 3801 in...
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May 4, 2021


Beginning of Route 66, Chicago Illinois
I decided to start adding some of the unique things we found while traveling Route 66 from Chicago IL to Santa Monica CA. As many times...
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May 4, 2021


Impressive school mascot, Piasa Illinois
This school mascot made me do a double take. Literally, turn around and come back to try to see what this was. It is a Piasa bird. I...
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May 31, 2020


Intense yard art, Summerville Illinois
Too much?...... Naaaaa. You definitely need to slow down to take all of this in while driving down IL 111 in Summerville, IL. Even...
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May 31, 2020


Outhouse with a view, Chesterfield Illinois
One of my favorite things to spot on a road trip is an outhouse. They are usually out in the middle of nowhere but this one was right on...
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May 31, 2020


Vintage Laundromat sign, Palmyra Illinois
I love vintage signs, especially neon! It was daylight so I'm not sure if this one lights up any more? Interesting thing, there didn't...
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May 31, 2020


Definitely an eye catcher! Palmyra Illinois
It's not every day you see someone sitting on the crapper as you drive by! We had to stop to take a look at the rest of these creations...
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May 31, 2020


Commemorating an old Shell Gas Station, Waverly Illinois
B&B Storage on Miller Street in Waverly, IL pays tribute to an old "Route 66" era Shell Station. There is also a mural across the street...
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May 31, 2020
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