Welcome to Roadside Peek News. This section will feature a news peek of what's happening out on the road. While not pretending to be comprehensive, we hope you'll visit this section from time to time to keep up on just a sample of issues that are roadside related. Don't forget to check out the Roadside Peek main page for the day's update.

April to June 2009

News from: Current | Q4 '08 | Q3 '08 | Q2 '08 | Q1 '08 | Q4 '07 | Q3 '07 | Q2 '07 | Q1 '07 | Q4 '06 | Q3 '06 | Q2 '06 | Q1 ' 06
Q4 '05 | Q3 '05 | Q2 '05 | Q1 '05 | Q4 '04 | Q3 '04 | Q2 '04 | Q1 '04 | 2003 | 2002 | Main

June 29, 2009

Detroit Area Additions

Added photos from the Detroit area, including Flint to the Midwest section courtesy of Richard Weiss. See What's New for details.

June 26, 2009

Vintage Bob Hoisted on Roof of New Broiler

06.26.09 Downey, CA - Work continues to progress on the new Bob's Big Boy Broiler in Downey. A major symbolic milestone was met on the morning of Thursday June 25 for the new Big Boy Broiler. Yes, Bob has arrived! The 12 foot vintage Bob was hoisted up on the roof of the Broiler, as this 3rd generation Broiler takes shape after the original Harvey's Broiler and subsequent Johnie's Broiler. Check out the latest update with photos here courtesy of Kathy Perez.

UPDATE 06/28: Bob was no longer on the roof this afternoon. The events of June 26 may have been a test run?

June 23, 2009

Days May Be Numbered for Farr Ice Cream Sign

Ogden, UT - The Farr Ice Cream rooftop sign may not be long for this world as word is that the building may be demolished soon.

Many thanks to Bill Gerrard for update.

Origins of Pool Stick Guy Discovered

The Vegas Neon Graveyard or Boneyard is a resting place for many of the old classic signs from Vegas past. The origins of the guy shooting with a cue stick have been discovered.

Many thanks to Steve Kawalkiewicz for update.

Big Star Drive-in Neon

The Big Star Drive-in eatery and its neon glow has been added to the Midwest section courtesy of Chibbqking. See What's New.

Neon Motels from Kanab UT

A couple of Kanab, UT neon photos from Alan Culley have been added to the Rocky Mountains section. See What's New.

June 21, 2009

Roadside Stops in Fredonia AZ

Photos from Alan Culley added of motels, taverns and a liquor store from Fredonia, a border town between Arizona and Utah. See What's New.

Neon Signage in Europe

Neon penguin found where else but in Budapest courtesy of Richard Weiss. See What's New.

New Additions to the East

A strongman dutifully holds up the Strong Homes marquee in Erie, PA with photo courtesy of Kevin Newman. The east has also been updated with both daytime and neon lit photos from Rick Ibsen of the Criterion Theatre in Maine. See What's New.

June 20, 2009

Verdugo Hills Bowl Back in the Day

Added a photo courtesy of Dennis McNerny of the Verdugo Hills Bowl in La Crescenta, CA. This old ten pin alley was a 40-lane center that closed in 1996 and demolished in 2002.

May 31, 2009

Porterville Drive-in Fire

Porterville, CA - A fire burned a storage building that was located just below the west screen of the old Porterville Drive-in Theatre. According to the article in the Porterville Recorder, the small fire destroyed half the storage area and the case is under investigation for suspicious behavior. Flames had risen up the movie screen at one point before the fire was put out. The Porterville Drive-in Theatre, which opened in 1950, closed down in 2004.

East Tennessee Drive-in Up For Sale

Harriman, TN - Lack of crowds have put the fate of the Mid-Town Drive-in Theatre in jeopardy. According to VolunteerTV.com, the manager of the Mid-Town stated that the "crowds just aren't lining up like in past years". A for sale sign was put up at the site this past Friday. The Mid-Town Drive-in's season runs through Labor Day.

Bowling Alley Renovated

Pasadena, CA - For decades, the Bahama Lanes in Pasadena, CA has entertained folks looking for a good place to bowl a few games and hang out, not to mention the traditional leagues that made a home here. After closing in November, owner AMF Bowling Inc. remade the Bahama Lanes into the 300 Pasadena, which proclaims itself as a trendy club, hot new bistro, and upscale sports bar rolled into one. See this Pasadena Star-News article for more information.

Vegas Welcome Sign Deemed Historic

Las Vegas, NV - The iconic Las Vegas welcome sign was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 1, 2009 according to the May 21 article in the Las Vegas Sun. The historic sign, which has welcomed travelers into Vegas since 1959, was built by Western Neon and is now owned by the well known Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO). The sign is a fond sight to visitors traveling in to Vegas from the south with its "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" neon and backlit lighting as well as to those leaving town with its friendly "Come Back Soon" lettering.

May 30, 2009

Route 66 Motel Razed

Albuquerque, NM - Another Route 66 motel in Albuquerque, NM has been razed. According to KOB.com, the Tradewinds Motel located on Central Avenue was demolished Friday May 29 after having been closed down by the Safe City Strike force due to illicit activity. The 1960's era motel that had been renamed the Economy Inn in recent years featured a towering marquee as well as a googie front to the motel. The Tradewinds look went visibly downhill during stops at the motel through the years. Regardless, another Route 66 treasure is now gone.

May 28, 2009

Sigel's Liquor Sign Saved

Dallas, TX - The Sigel's Liquor Store sign with its neon bubbly will find a new home after the Addison City Council approved an exception to its sign ordinance to accommodate this neon treasure. The Sigel's sign that graced the now closed store at Lemmon Avenue and Inwood Road for over 50 years will be moved to the Sigel's location in Addison in June. For more information, see this article from the Dallas News.

May 27, 2009

Route 66 Kicks

The Panama City News Herald recently featured a story about a Parker, FL couple that traveled the Mother Road from Amarillo, TX to Needles, CA in early May. Check out the article here.

In other Route 66 news, The Carthage Press had a write-up that the Missouri Department of Transportation is recommending the development of a Route 66 welcome center in Webb City. The welcome center would be housed in a former gas station located on Broadway Street and would possibly open as soon as this fall or in Spring 2010.

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Seattle Post-Intelligencer Globe Endangered

Seattle, WA - According to the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer globe, or "P-I" globe tops the statewide list of endangered properties. The P-I globe originally began rotating on November 9, 1948, then moved to its present location in 1986. The globe still spins today, although P-I owner Hearst Corporation stopped the printing presses in March 2009 and remade the P-I into an online news company only. More information can be found in the Seattle Post-intelligencer May 26 article.

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Roadside Peek Updates to Idaho and Northern California

A daytime photo of the Nuart Theatre has been added to Grand Theatres Rocky Mountains courtesy of Candace Courts. Also added several photos and images to the Northern California section courtesy of Heather David, including this matchcover of the former Castle Lanes. See What's New for details.

May 26, 2009

Spotlight on the Cadillac Ranch

Added a spotlight to the Cadillac Ranch of Amarillo, TX as roadtrip season is just about here.

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Neon Signage Around Idaho

Check out more neon signs from Moscow, ID courtesy of Candace Courts. See What's New.

May 25, 2009

Route 66 Landmarks Return

OK - Two familiar Route 66 landmarks have come back to The Mother Road. According to Route 66 News, the Rock Cafe and the Meadow Gold sign both returned last week. The Rock Cafe in Stroud, OK had been damaged by a fire last year. The good news is the Rock Cafe will be back to business on May 29. More information can also be found at Newson6.com.

Route 66 News also reports and shows photos of the historic Meadow Gold sign which had been restored and now sits at 11th Street and Quaker Avenue. According to Route 66 News, a dedication ceremony was held on May 22 and by the looks of things, the Meadow Gold sign looks as good as ever. The sign had been dismantled from its original location at the SW Corner of 11th & Lewis in 2004 as originally reported in Preservation Alley.

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Mission Drive-in Partially Demolished

San Antonio, TX - The Mission 4 Drive-in Theatre located on the South Side of San Antonio had two of its movie screens and its ticket booth demolished on the morning of May 19, 2009. The theatre, which first opened in 1948 and was the last remaining open-air theatre in San Antonio, had closed down in November 2007. A mixed-use park, including a new city library, is planned to take its place. According to the San Antonio Express-News, the theatre's marquee will be restored and the main screen will be kept.

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Neon Eateries from Hermosa Beach

Kirk Maillet just sent in some neon signage from eateries found in Hermosa Beach, CA. See What's New.

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Wildwood Article in NY Post

Wildwoods, NJ - The Wildwoods resort of New Jersey still hits the news from time to time. After much of the wealth of mid-century signage and architecture from the area was destroyed during the condo boom several years ago, much of the news has been depressing for fans of the roadside motels of days past. The March 19 edition of the NY Post featured an article summarizing the plight of the Wildwoods as well as their thoughts on the top 10 motels in town and is worth a read.

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Vintage Bob Found for Broiler

Downey, CA - Construction continues at the soon to be Bob's Big Boy Broiler site. The latest news is that owner Jim has found a 12 foot rotating vintage Bob.

Many thanks to Adriene Biondo for update

May 19, 2009

More Construction at the Broiler

Downey, CA - Here are more construction photos from the site of the new Bob's Big Boy Broiler. As you can see, things are just humming along as work continues to make the new Broiler a reality.

Many thanks to Adriene Biondo for update

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Roadside Signage from Louisville

Louisville is home to some great roadside signs and a couple new shots have just been added courtesy of Kevin Newman. See What's New.

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More Roadside Delights from Illinois

Check out more roadside photos from Illinois, including a couple of varieties of Abe Lincoln from Springfield, IL. Also see the giant Santa Claus from Christmas, MI and more Chicago hot dog joints and eateries thanks to Chibbqking. See What's New for information.

May 13, 2009

Bob's Big Boy Sign Lettering

Downey, CA - The letters went up on the former Johnie's Broiler sign Tuesday May 12 as construction continues at the site. The brushed script lettering is a familiar and welcome sight to the roadside fans who used to frequent Harvey's Broiler and subsequently Johnie's Broiler.

See the letters being added to the sign Tuesday.

Many thanks to Adriene Biondo for update

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Colorado Movie Theatres Added

Photos of the classic movie theatres found in Lamar and Rocky Ford, CO have been added from the travels of and courtesy of Larry Glass. See What's New for information.

May 12, 2009

Bob's Big Boy Broiler Construction Photos

Downey, CA - Tremendous progress is being made on the rebuild for Bob's Big Boy Broiler! I took these construction pix this afternoon so that we can all watch as the building is constructed.

On Friday a crane hoisted a massive 60 foot beam into place, and over the weekend the steel framework was assembled and wood framing started going up. It's surreal to be there in person and realize how amazing it is that this project is actually happening. Is there anyone out there who's rebuilding a 1950s Googie drive-in restaurant from the original blueprints?! Stay tuned, more to come.

See the latest photos from May 11, 2009 here.

Many thanks to Adriene Biondo for update

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Hot Dog Joints and More

More Midwest photos, specifically from the Chicago area have been added to the site courtesy of Chibbqking. In addition, an old roadside sign was also found in Tampa, FL. See What's New for more.

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Idaho Mid Century Modern

Who would have thought that a water building could look so googie. Check out this update to the Rocky Mountains Architecture section courtesy of Craig Holland. See What's New.

May 10, 2009

More Photos from the Chicago Area

Check out the latest Chicago area photos added to the Midwest section. Photos added include neon shots of famous eateries and burger joints. Many thanks to Chibbqking for this update. See What's New for what's new.

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Historic Donner Trail Committee Link

Pay a visit to the Historic Donner Trail Committee site and read about their efforts to keep the old per-Highway 40 highway open to the public. Many thanks to Rick Martel, Chairman of the committee for the contact.

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New Updates from Utah and Las Vegas

The Rocky Mountain section as well as the North Las Vegas Motels have been updated with new photos and info. Several new photos from Kanab, UT are a part of the Rocky Mountain update. See what's been updated on What's New. Many thanks to Lee Salawitch for contribution.

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Photos from the Midwest Added

Several photos from the Midwest have been added, including the several ghost signs from Indiana and Illinois. A few motel signs were also added and many others including the Penguin Point drive-in sign from Plymouth, IN. See what's been updated on What's New. Many thanks to Alan Culley for contribution.

May 9, 2009

Robert E. Lee Motel Approved for Demo

Abingdon, VA - The Robert E. Lee Motel on Lee Highway was approved for demolition by the Washington County Board of Supervisors on April 15, citing the reason as threat to public health and safety. The Board also requested that the County Administrator look into saving the historic sign. More information can be found here.

May 8, 2009

Moulin Rouge Destroyed by Fire

Las Vegas, NV - The historic Moulin Rouge hotel and casino in Las Vegas was destroyed by a fire Wednesday. According to the KTNV ABC site, the fires started around 11:45am Wednesday and the building was a total loss. Fortunately, the famous Moulin Rouge sign had just been moved by the Las Vegas Centennial Commission to the neon boneyard last week to make way for proposed construction for a new casino.

May 3, 2009

Bob's Big Boy Broiler Breaks Ground

Downey, CA - The foundation is now being built at the former Johnie's (Harvey's) Broiler site in Downey. Check out Jalopy Journal for the latest.

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Sigel's Neon Sign May Soon Disappear

Dallas, TX - This just in from the Dallas Modern Committee Preservation Dallas. "The Sigel's sputnik-like neon sign has graced the intersection of Lemmon and Inwood for some 50 years. Soon the shopping center housing the Sigel's Liquor Store will be replaced by yet another bank and the fate of the beloved sign is uncertain."

What you can do to help save the Sigel's sign: LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD -- Check out the articles and photos - Blog or post your comments.
Recent Dallas Morning News
Dallas Morning News
Dallas Observer Blog
Eats Blog

Many thanks to Pete Peabody, Preservation Dallas, Vice-President, Preservation Issues; Dallas Modern Committee Chairperson

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New Midwest Photos

New photos have been added to the Midwest section, courtesy of Chibbqking. The photos were added to Other Roadside Signage and Roadside Diners. More photos from Chibbqking will be coming very shortly.