But, I digress, pretty much just because I wanted to make that Back to the Future joke (saw it in theaters last night, anyone else?). What I really want to talk about are roadside ads, specifically those of the classic Route 66 variety. Route 66ers love their vintage ads, especially if they are witty or gigantic. The most famous strange ads along Route 66 are Burma Shave signs, Muffler Men, and barn ads. The average billboard need not apply.
The Burma Shave corporation took a tongue in cheek view of advertising along the mother road. Signs were placed along the side and read while driving, forming a complete (rhyming) thought. I didn't actually see any out on the road, but I spotted these gems at Hackberry General Store and the Route 66 Museum.



Then there are the Muffler Men. These are very large statues of Paul Bunyan-esque men who used to hold giant mufflers. These men, now decommissioned, became infinitely more interesting by the objects they now hold to advertise altogether different businesses.


And finally, barn ads used to be quite popular along the route, but have since been deemed illegal. Usually for feed supply or local attractions, there remains one prominent barn ad that is maintained by Route 66 preservationists. Blink and you'll miss this roadside attraction. It's just a pullout off the main drag in Illinois nowadays, but Route 66 historic route signs will lead you to it if you're looking.

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