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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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A Roto-Sphere! Moriarty New Mexico
Formerly the El Comedor de Anayas Restaurant, this antique shop kept this fantastic roadside attraction sign. It doesn't work anymore,...
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Jun 8, 2023
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Club Cafe, Original Home Of The "Fat Man", Santa Rosa New Mexico
The Club Cafe was opened in 1935 and a few years later, the famous "Fat Man" logo was created. The smiling portly figure in jacket and...
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Mar 25, 2023
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The "Fat Man" Has Been Saved, Santa Rosa New Mexico
While driving by, I snapped a photo of the neon sign in front of Joseph's Bar & Grill because I liked the retro look of it. The...
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Mar 25, 2023
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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
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Iconic Route 66 Neon Sign Falling Into Disrepair, Santa Rosa New Mexico
I was so sad to see this iconic neon sign abandoned and falling apart. Those yellow diamonds, spelling out RESTAURANT are another classic...
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Mar 25, 2023
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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
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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
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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
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30 Foot Tall Giant Sombrero, Tucumcari New Mexico
The La Cita restaurant, which opened in 1940, has a great neon sign and neon lettering on the giant sombrero, which was added in 1959. It...
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Mar 25, 2023
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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
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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
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TePee Curios Souvenir Shop, Tucumcari New Mexico
My first thought was, it is a shame that such a great vintage neon sign needed a spell check. As it turns out, tepee (not teepee) is the...
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Mar 25, 2023
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Life-like Cow Atop a Neon Sign, Tucumcari New Mexico
Just what we hungry road worn travelers wanted to see when we rolled into Tucumcari, a huge cow on top of a restaurant sign. Of course,...
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Mar 8, 2023
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Ken's Ice Cream Sandwiches, Tucumcari New Mexico
Just before you get to the main Route 66 strip in Tucumcari, you'll see this classic neon sign and giant ice cream cone, which used to be...
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Mar 8, 2023
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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
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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
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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
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Yukon's Best Flour Neon Sign, Yukon Oklahoma
The Yukon Mill and Grain Company built the mill and elevator in 1902. This huge lighted sign was placed on top of the mill in the 1940's....
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Oct 17, 2021
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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
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Maybe it's just me but I read Rewot at first glance! Oklahoma City Oklahoma
It's actually "Tower". I really like this sign. It is so interesting looking as it almost looks like it is backwards because your eyes...
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Oct 16, 2021
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