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Roadside Peek will take you on a roadside journey in time. Travel the road along the old routes across America. See the old motels, bowling alleys, drive-in theatres, neon signs, petrol pumps, googie sites, tiki villages, and other roadside treasures, even Route 66. Content is updated regularly so don't forget to stop in often!

Although this web site is based in Southern California, the majority of content on Roadside Peek is from locations outside of the area. The content is sectioned both by category and region, so don't forget to pay a visit to all of the site. So, stop in, grab a beef jerky and take an adventure in time to see the old treasures of the road.

Latest Update

August 9, 2010

Today's contributors are Faith Farberman (Southern California) and Kelly Sullivan (Midwest)

See WHAT'S NEW

Preservation Issues

Forum Diner
Paramus, NJ

This press release covers a preservation movement underway to spare the historic Forum Diner at 211 East State Route 4 in Paramus, NJ from demolition.

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Recent Lost Treasures

International Cafe
Yermo, CA

The former International Cafe served customers in Yermo for 40 years before closing down. The International burned to the ground in August 2008.

Norm's Restaurant
San Gabriel, CA

This Norm's Restaurant which prided itself on being open 24 hours a day 7 days a week closed after three decades of serving the San Gabriel Valley. A mix-use development may take its place.

Downtown Plaza Rotosphere
Gallup, NM

The rotosphere atop the Downtown Plaza sign in downtown Gallup was one of several in a Route 66 town. The rotosphere was taken down for restoration... several years ago.

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Recent Spotlights

TWA Terminal

Mid-Century Modern East

Huntridge Theatre

Grand Theatre Las Vegas

More...

Ramblings From The Road

August 9, 2010

Updates From Woodland Hills CA

Updated the Southern California sections including current photos of a former tiki motel and a new photo of a liquor store classic courtesy of Faith Farberman. See What's New.

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Roadside Updates From Rockford IL and Midwest

The Midwest section has been updated with roadside finds centered around Rockford, IL, including various neon eateries, ice cream shops, and sit down eateries. Also added various photos of theatres from the Midwest courtesy of Kelly Sullivan. See What's New.

July 30, 2010

Forest Hills Tennis Stadium Landmark Endangered

The Forest Hills Tennis Stadium has been a Long Island, NY landmark since 1923 but is now in danger of becoming the future site of condos.

According to the Rego-Forest Preservation Council, the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium may be sold to a developer after a vote on August 19, 2010 by WSTC members. See the Rego-Forest Preservation Council site for information on how you can help preserve this historic Long Island landmark, including details on an urgent letter writing campaign.

Many thanks to Council Chairman Michael Perlman for alert and information.

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Neon Motel Delights from Tehachapi

Added to the Central California section courtesy of John King, the Ranch House and Santa Fe Motels feature striking neon marquees in the town of Tehachapi. See What's New.

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Signs Found in Bakersfield CA

A couple of roadside signs for Ned's Oil and Guthrie's Alley Cat were found off the road and added to the Central California section courtesy of John King. See What's New.

July 25, 2010

Tucson Arizona Updates

One Miracle Mile motel finds new life as senior living housing while another files bankruptcy after being recently renovated. See What's New.

June 14, 2010

Roadside Delights from the Pacific Northwest

Catch these sights discovered by Jim Zahniser in Oregon and Washington during your summer roadside travels. See What's New.

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Scenes from North Carolina and Virginia

New roadside additions to the Southeast from Tony Craig include the Counts Drug Store and Skeeters Dogs from Wytheville, VA, the Hillsville Diner in NC, and a couple of signage icons. See What's New.

April 28, 2010

Eddie Bohn's Pig 'N' Whistle Gutted in Fire

West Colfax is home to the Eddie Bohn Motel and former Pig 'N' Whistle restaurant. The Pig 'N' Whistle has been known as a local Denver landmark, opened since 1924. Original owner Eddie Bohn was a friend of famous boxer Jack Dempsey and the restaurant served many a celebrity, including boxer Sugar Ray Robinson who stayed at the motel.

Unfortunately, the boarded up restaurant was gutted by a fire on April 22, 2010 though the motel marquee is still intact. The motel and restaurant had closed in 1991. Also see What's New.

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Vancouver's Only Sea Foods Sign Comes Down

With a name like The Only Sea Foods, this Vancouver Canada restaurant better be a special kind of place. For 59 years, this downtown treasure has been just that, most recently if only for its well known neon sign.

Unfortunately, the neon sea horse may have cast its last look down East Hastings. The Only Sea Foods restaurant shut down in June 2009 and the landmark sign was removed in April 2010. Fortunately, this sign is being stored and may possibly be restored by the Portland Hotel Society who hope to reopen the restaurant in a new location. More information can be found in this Vancouver Sun article. Also see What's New.

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Motel Sign Removed From Route 66 Barstow

The rather large and red marquee for Brant's Motel is an eye-catcher of a sign in its own right for travelers passing through the town of Barstow. Whether on their way too and from Las Vegas or Route 66, the Brant's Motel is a familiar sight to any motorist familiar with the main drag of Barstow.

Well, another familiar roadside sight has just disappeared. After being declared a public nuisance by the Barstow City Council in March, the motel sign was removed from Main Street on April 22, 2010. According to this article from the Desert Dispatch, the motel had been damaged by fire in 2006 and closed. Also see What's New.


Older News...


Felix Chevrolet
Los Angeles, CA

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