In the 1950s, there were many bizarrely designed and decorated restaurants along America’s roadsides. These colorful shops were no longer able to find customers due to interstate highways and out-of-town malls. Many were closed down and left to die. Before they vanished, one photographer was able to capture their magic for almost 40 years. Scroll through the gallery to view the best of the lot…
U.S. photographer John Margolies documented the attractions for decades, capturing them with photos that eventually would be included on the National Register of Historic Places. Here is an example of an icecream stand in Long Beach that looks like an icecream cone. This picture was snapped by Mr Margolies on September 12, 1979.
The unusual buildings sprung up in earnest in the 1950s when car ownership skyrocketed in America and businesses across the country took the opportunity to draw in new customers by setting up on roadsides – like this building, which features a giant bird sitting on top of the ‘Mother Goose Market’.
In 1969, Mr Margolies started photographing these buildings. He was then able to preserve them for posterity after they closed down rapidly in the 1970s. You can see here a fun place to fuel up in Zillah.
Margolies, originally from Connecticut, drove thousands of miles to document the buildings that were sometimes abandoned throughout the United States. Spray Foam Trucks in Albany, Oregon, pictured in 1987, was certainly visible from the roadside thanks to its huge prospector statue and sign.
He told The Washington Post that his parents thought it was the most ugly thing in the world. I liked areas where everyone was screaming at me: “Look At Me.” Take a look at me. The Hoot Owl Cafe in Southgate, Los Angeles, pictured here, drew in the crowds as the eyes in the top of the owl, made from Buick headlights, would blink. Margolies captured this shot in 1977 – two years before it was demolished.
This 1977 photo of the Station 99 Hat ‘n Boots in Seattle was taken. It dates back to 1945, and was used in National Lampoon’s Vacation.
Margolies photographs often featured buildings that were uninhabited and with no cars. They are also set against a blue sky. In his book Roadside America, he wrote: “I love the light in that hour of day. It’s almost like golden syrup.” You are free to enjoy the freshness of everything and there is no need for you to be bothered. The Shell Service Station is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and was pictured here in 2001.
Margolies captured this 1979 photo of Harold’s Auto Center, Route 19, Spring Hill, Florida. Today, the business continues to be in operation.
In this 1980 photograph, the Coney Island Dairy Land snack stop on Route 285 at Aspen Park (Colorado) appears to be abandoned.
This vintage shot of a worn Leaning Tower of Pizza restaurant was taken in 1984 in Quincy, Massachusetts. Although it is unclear if the building was demolished, this image shows it.
In Fountain Valley, California, Mr Margolies found this windmill near the Fountain Valley mini-golf course in 1981.
The Candy House, which was located at Riverside Castle Amusement Park, California in the 1980s, has remained open since 1985. Castle Park still remains open. However, Candy House’s fate is unknown.
Margolies rented a Cadillac on his road trips. Margolies shot the images using a Canon camera equipped with a simple lens and used it as a Canon Camera. If you’re looking for a fun place to stop on Route 66 near Holbrook in Arizona, the Wigwam Hotel might be able to help.
On top of Oklahoma City’s Townley Dairy Building, the Townley milk container rests. It was stolen in 1993.
The image was taken in 1980 and shows Sioux Chief Train Motel at Sioux Falls in South Dakota. The cars were then sold separately by private companies after the company failed.
Margolies wasn’t only attracted to the architecture of travel, such as diners, gas stations and motels but also to American quirks like diners. Here is Mickey’s Dining Car at West 9th Street, St Paul, Minnesota in 1984. It is currently closed but still operates 24 hours a day.
Nearly all drivers would notice the attached ice-cream cones to Gary’s Jacksonville Ice Cream Parlor roof, as seen here in 1979.
In 1982, this is where you will find the Fleur De Lis Cocktail Lounge. It’s located at the end of Government Street. It is still standing today but now it serves as Fleur De Lis Pizza.
Margolies passed away in 2016 at age 76. However, he left a stunning collection of 11700 photos to the Library of Congress. Today, Leon’s Drive In restaurant in Milwaukee is still open.