A local blogger reports that the distinctive neon sign that graced the Hi-way Host Motel in Pasadena, California, has been altered into a much more nondescript design.
East of Allen reports that the sign at the motel, located at 3474 E. Colorado Blvd., was recently replaced.
Normally a change-out in motel signage wouldn’t stir much interest. But, this humble motel happens to be on historic Route 66. On the Mother Road, such modest things as motel signs, motor courts and diners, with a little imagination, can transport us back in history. They are remnants of mid-century Americana, of great road trips and of a time when the country’s population flowed unceasingly West.
It also happens that the Mother Road has a Centennial coming up. Next year will be 100 years since Route 66 was officially opened. On November 11, 1926, the part-paved, part-dirt Route 66 opened for passage from Chicago to Santa Monica.
So, it should not surprise anyone that this unassuming Hi-Way Host Motel sign is (now was) quite popular. In fact, it was often photographed and highlighted as a point of interest when passing through east Pasadena.
Based on before-and-after photos, it appears the skeleton of the original sign is still there. But it seems the recessed letters were removed entirely.
And, obviously, the look of the sign is completely different.
Here’s a “before” image via Google Street View in October.
All is not lost, however.
Since the basic structure of the sign is still there, perhaps the current or future owners of the motel can restore it to its original look — much like the owners of the Skyliner Motel in Sroud, Oklahoma, did earlier this year.
According to Route 66 Times, the Hi-way Host Motel dates back to at least 1957.
(Night image of the Hi-Way Host Motel sign in Pasadena, California, by Thomas Hawk via Flickr)