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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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Polly Gas Sign, Helendale California
This sign stood in front of Watson's Polly gas station, which is now gone. The Polly Gas brand was in operation from 1914 to the 1960's...
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Jul 10, 2025


Torches Motel, Barstow California
Originally the Hollon Motel from the 1940's, the Torches Motel is still operating. This great neon sign buzzes with retro charm, in a...
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Jul 10, 2025


Route 66 Motel, Barstow California
This hotel began as the Barstow Auto Court back in 1922. The name change and addition of the, still working, neon sign happened sometime...
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Jul 10, 2025


The Village Hotel and Cafe Neon Sign, Barstow California
Once a vibrant neon masterpiece, this 1950's era sign stands as is: faded, flawed, and fiercely authentic. I can imagine it's tubes...
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May 18, 2025


Cactus Motel Neon Sign, Barstow California
Unlike many Route 66 relics that have crumbled or lost their spark, this motel keeps its name and it's neon soul intact. The motel was...
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May 18, 2025


Heart Neon Sign, Yermo California
Originally the giant heart on the sign was for Harts Famous Foods diner. The diner was renamed as the Jenny Rose after the owners'...
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May 18, 2025


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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Apr 13, 2025


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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Apr 13, 2025


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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Apr 13, 2025


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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Apr 13, 2025


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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Apr 13, 2025


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, 2025


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. Sure, it’s...
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Feb 27, 2025


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, 2025


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, 2025


The Orlando Motel, Truxton Arizona
Like a lot of 1960's motels, this one had a cool googie style neon sign. You can see what is left on the three posts at the bottom and it...
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Feb 9, 2025


Frontier Motel and Restaurant, Truxton Arizona
Built in 1952, with this classic eye-catching neon sign, the motel operated until 2011. The sign was renovated in 2013, but obviously...
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Feb 9, 2025


Supai Motel, Seligman Arizona
This is an updated neon sign from the original, but that great retro look has survived. The hotel opened in 1952 and is still operating...
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Feb 9, 2025


Copper Cart Restaurant, Seligman Arizona
This restaurant opened in 1952 and is now closed. However, the new occupants of the building have left this fantastic neon sign and added...
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Sep 15, 2024


The Snow Cap Drive-In, Seligman Arizona
You definitely won't miss this place, especially at night. Lots of neon on the signage, facade and decor. Built with the intention of...
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Sep 15, 2024
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