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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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El Rancho Motel and Restaurant, Holbrook Arizona
The building has been completely changed but the great artsy neon sign is pretty much the same as it was in the 60's. You can see this...
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May 12, 2024
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Vintage DQ Sign, Holbrook Arizona
I'm always excited to see modern businesses that have kept their original neon signage. This Dairy Queen sign made my day. The DQ was...
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Jan 25, 2024
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1940's Motel, Holbrook Arizona
The 66 Motel was built in 1948 and is still in operation today. The neon sign is unique with a hint of Googie in it's zig-zag style with...
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Jan 25, 2024
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Sahara Inn, Holbrook Arizona
This was originally the Whitting Brothers Motor Hotel. Holbrook was the headquarters for Whitting Brothers gas stations and motels. They...
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Jan 25, 2024
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Chief Yellowhorse Trading Post, Lupton Arizona
Coming up the road, I thought I could see elk up on the rocks above the road. As we got closer, I realized they were part of the draw for...
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Jan 25, 2024
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Spanish Style Theatre, Gallup New Mexico
This was one of my favorite buildings in Gallup. I was so happy to see the Spanish style facade from 1928 is in such great condition. The...
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Jan 25, 2024
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Gallup Coffee Company Sign, Gallup New Mexico
While not an old sign, you gotta love the fact that the coffee shop owners kept with the theme of their historic building and the...
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Oct 30, 2023
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Ghostly El Navajo Garage Sign, Gallup New Mexico
I love to see the faded remains of signage from old buildings like this one that left it's mark on the current New Mexico Pottery Company...
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Oct 30, 2023
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Schlitz Beer Mural, Gallup New Mexico
I had to take a picture of this mural as I thought that it was a blast from the past but apparently, they still make Schlitz beer. I...
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Oct 30, 2023
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El Coronado Motel Neon Sign, Gallup New Mexico
One of many unique Route 66 era motels that are now abandoned in Gallup. Originally a Service Garage and Motel Court, it was built around...
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Oct 30, 2023
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Historic El Rancho Motel Sign, Gallup New Mexico
The sign lights up in bright yellow and red and is beautifully maintained. Many old western films were filmed in Gallup and when in town,...
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Oct 30, 2023
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Arrowhead Lodge Neon Sign, Gallup New Mexico
Some time in the 1960's, probably to catch the traveler's eye, this bright neon sign replaced a much more subdued stone arrowhead sign...
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Oct 30, 2023
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El Capitan Motel Sign, Gallup New Mexico
The newer sign has been refurbished but still shows the 1960's style sign posts from the old sign and there's an even older smaller neon...
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Oct 30, 2023
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Googie Style Neon Sign, Gallup New Mexico
Another of my favorite futuristic looking neon signs. The Road Runner Motel was torn down in 2017 but they had left the sign. Sadly, I...
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Oct 30, 2023
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Continental Divide Sign, Continental Divide New Mexico
Heading west on Route 66 this was the first of many Contenintal Divide signs that mark the spot. This one is located in front of the...
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Oct 30, 2023
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10 Gallon Hat Neon Sign, Milan New Mexico
I'm so glad that they kept this great shield shaped sign with the 10 gallon hat on top for Pinkston's Western Wear. The business appears...
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Aug 11, 2023
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Repurposed Neon Sign, Milan New Mexico
This big neon sign was originally made in 1958 for the Frontier Bar and Restaurant. In the 1950's and 60's there was also a Frontier Inn...
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Aug 11, 2023
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Another Lost Neon Sign, Grants New Mexico
All that was left of this motel was it's classic neon sign, but sadly it has been removed too since we were there. I don't know anything...
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Aug 11, 2023
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Hollywood Diner, Grants New Mexico
You can barely see the name "Hollywood" at the top of this vintage neon diner sign. The diner opened in 1955 and closed in 2008. The old...
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Jul 15, 2023
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Pat's Lounge, Grants New Mexico
Sentimentally, I was drawn to this sign as Patrick "Pat" was my late husband's name. I also loved the look of the building. It has a...
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Jul 15, 2023
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