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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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Oak Park Motel, Monrovia California
The motel opened in 1948 and has operated continuously under the same name ever since. The neon sign was added in the 1950's. The property itself has been pretty well updated but the neon sign with that classic large arrow design is there to maintain a bit of it's heritage. You'll find it on East Huntington Drive in Monrovia, CA
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Nov 2
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Smart & Final Route 66 Edition, Azusa California
This California based grocery warehouse chain got into the route 66 sprit by adding this retro style neon sign with that classic V and iconic shield to their Azusa Route 66 location. It's great to see a well established business, that doesn't need a gimmick to attract customers, add a little splash of the Mother Road experience. It's like they just know that a little neon can make the ordinary feel like an adventure! See it on Foothill Boulevard in Azusa, CA
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Nov 2
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Foothill Drive In Theatre, Azusa California
Opened in 1961, this drive-in theatre lasted a little over 40 years with it's last show in 2001. When the property was sold, a stipulation of the sale was the retention of this classic neon sign. The sign was declared a California Landmark in 2002 and was restored and relit in 2007. You'll see it glowing proudly on East Alosta Avenue in Azusa, CA
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Nov 2
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The Golden Spur Restaurant, Glendora California
This restaurant began in 1918 as a hamburger stand for folks on horse back. By 1932, it had evolved into a full fledged steakhouse. The name and this neon sign were a great tribute to it's origins. The restaurant closed but this classic 1950's era sign boasting a giant boot with a spur hanging off it's heel has been partially preserved at the location. You can see what remains on East Route 66 in Glendora, CA
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Nov 2
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The Hat World Famous Pastrami, Glendora California
This restaurant opened in 1995. The retro neon sign is a replicate of the original sign from the first location in Alhambra, opened in 1951. You can see this one on West Route 66 in Glendora, CA.
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Nov 2
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Foster's Freeze, Glendora California
Being raised in the Midwest, this was my first Foster's Freeze sighting. The founder of this California fast food chain originally tried to open Dairy Queen locations in California, but due to California laws protecting the dairy industry, he had to develop his own brand labeled as Old-Fashioned Freeze because the soft-serve didn't meet the butterfat percentages required by the laws to use the word dairy. This old sign has the original logo with the cheerful ice cream cone ch
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Nov 2
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Alta Dena Dairy Store, Glendora California
This store opened in the early 1950's, as a pioneering drive-through concept, by the Alta Dena Dairy Company. The blue paneled, star topped sign still stands as a reminder of that time. You can see it on Foothill Boulevard in Glendora, CA
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Nov 2
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Pinnacle Peak Steak House, San Dimas California
There couldn't be a better way to advertise a steakhouse built on the site of an old Wells Fargo Stagecoach, then a covered wagon sign. This steakhouse was opened in 1967 and is the Wild West's answer to casual Fridays. The dress code is strictly "no tie" and if you wear one in, they will cut it off and hang it from the rafters! Mosey on over for a bite on Foothill Boulevard in San Dimas, CA
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Nov 2
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La Paloma Restaurant, LaVerne California
The building was built in the 1920's as Wilson's Sandwich Shop, then La Paloma opened in 1966. The neon sign is a great example of signs from that time with it's googie style shapes, stars and bright colors. If you look closely, you can see the dove on the chef's sombrero on the sign as paloma is Spanish for dove. Stop in and sample some of Abuela Maria's recipes as the place is still operated by the same family. It's on Foothill Boulevard in LaVerne, CA
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Nov 2
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Californian Trailer Grove, Pomona California
This mobile home community was founded in 1947. What likely started as a travel trailer park, looks to now be part trailer park and part RV park. I didn't see any sign of the orange groves, heated pool, shuffleboard or club house that they advertised back then, but this great sign was still there. If you're in the area and looking for a spot to park your RV, you can find this place on Foothill Boulevard in Pomona, CA
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Nov 2
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Route 66 Self Storage, Pomona California
This neon sign with it's sweeping big red arrow and the Route 66 shield padlock is great! I love that this business adopted a retro style...
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Aug 25
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Wolfe's Market since 1917, Claremont California
In 1917, John and Molly Wolfe opened a modest market on a dirt road that would later become Route 66. Back then, Wolfe’s was the only gas...
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Aug 25
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Madonna Of The Trail Monument, Upland California
This 18-foot-tall, five-ton tribute to the pioneer women who traded bonnets for bravery and helped tame the American West was dedicated...
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Aug 25
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Magic Lamp Inn, Rancho Cucamonga California
The Magic Lamp Inn rose from the ashes of Lucy and John’s Italian Restaurant, which burned down in the early 1950s. Frank and Edith Penn...
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Aug 25
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Sycamore Inn, Rancho Cucamonga California
In 1848, this place was originally built as the Mountain View Inn, which became a stop for the Butterfield Overland Stagecoach. The...
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Aug 25
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Nature's Cycle Roadside Art, Rancho Cucamonga, California
I wouldn't have even seen this if we hadn't stopped at Carl's Jr as this great piece of public art is off the main road a bit and hidden...
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Aug 23
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Historic Orange Stand, Fontana California
This giant orange was built in the 1930's as an orange and fruit juice stand. It was one of six that Bob DeVries built for his family...
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Aug 23
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Bono's Restaurant, Fontana California
Opened in 1936 as an Italian restaurant and deli. It had a verandah that opened towards Route 66 converting the building into an open...
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Aug 23
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Moana Motel, Fontana California
This original neon sign dates back to the opening of the motel in 1948. There are two rows of rooms facing a courtyard in between with...
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Aug 23
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Ned's Oil & Stuff Sign, Rialto California
This weathered gem of a sign in front of Ned's Hardware is a local landmark. It's for people like me who find beauty in a slightly rusted...
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Aug 23
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