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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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Sunset Motel Neon Sign, Villa Ridge Missouri
They look a little weathered, but these signs were restored in 2009. The motel is still in operation, but only as weekend rentals. It was...
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Jul 17, 2021


Brick, Glass, Steel and Neon, Gray Summit Missouri
I love this neon sign. The base is glass blocks and bricks. It stands in front of the now closed Gardenway Motel which closed in 2014...
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Jul 17, 2021


Crestwood Bowl Sign, St Louis Missouri
This sign is still lit at night in front of the Crestwood Bowl which was opened in 1958 by three professional bowlers; Dick Weber, Pat...
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Jul 11, 2021


But First.... Donuts! St Louis Missouri
So much old neon on this strip of Route 66, this one is right down the road from the Auto Seat Covers sign. The Donut Drive In opened in...
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Jul 11, 2021


Auto Seat Covers Neon Sign, St Louis Missouri
This stretch of Route 66 has lots of old businesses and signs. I don't know too much about this old neon sign, I just liked it! It's out...
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Jul 11, 2021


A lost piece of American roadside travel history, St Louis Missouri
So glad I snapped a picture of this cool old neon Budweiser sign. It just stood out to me as iconically St. Louis. It was on the front of...
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Jul 10, 2021


Much bigger than it looks in the photo, St Louis Missouri
My photo doesn't do this gigantic sign justice. It is actually 40 foot tall and 60 foot wide. It's been standing on top of this building...
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Jul 10, 2021


Still open after almost 100 years, Mitchell Illinois
Opened in 1924, the Luna Cafe is said to have been frequented by mobsters like Al Capone. In addition to the cafe on the main floor, they...
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Jul 10, 2021


Warning! Turkey Crossing, Nilwood Illinois
This was a bit out of the way on the 1926-1930 alignment of Route 66 but so worth the trip. A lot of twisting, turning, rough and bumpy...
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Jul 6, 2021


“And just like that, we're on our way to everywhere” – Emery Lord, Williamsville Illinois
This funny distance road sign caught my attention. The photo is a little blurry, keep in mind that I was taking the photo from the back...
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May 10, 2021


The Pig Hip Restaurant Memorial, Broadwell Illinois
Originally the location of the Pig Hip Restaurant, home of the "Pig Hip Sandwich", and then a museum about the Pig Hip and Route 66. This...
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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


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


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


Collectors Paradise, Sunrise Beach Missouri
I was so disappointed that this store was not open when I passed by. I can only imagine the treasures inside based on what was outside...
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Jul 2, 2020


More Neon! Bridgeway Motel sign, Smithville Tennessee
I didn't get to see it, but I'm told this one still works too! The motel was established in 1961 and still running, located on Broad...
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Jun 17, 2020


Cream City Ice Cream Sign, Cookeville Tennessee
Love these old signs. This one is huge and it does light up! The sign sits in downtown Cookeville, TN on top of the local ice cream...
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Jun 17, 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
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