Did you know that the Library of Congress hosts one of the largest collections of historic roadside photographs? The collection of over 11,000 photos were shot by John Margolies between 1969 and 2008. 

From The Library of Congress:

Margolies' Roadside America work chronicled a period of American history defined by the automobile and the ease of travel it allowed. Emerging with the prosperity of the post-WWII era, roadside and commercial structures spread with the boom of suburbanization and the expansion of paved roads across the United States.

AAA Western and Central New York dug into the collection to find some highlights from our region's past.

Harbor Inn, Buffalo

The Harbor Inn, once located at 286 Ohio Street in Buffalo, drew attention from by passers with this lighthouse-inspired sign. Although the building is gone, a tribute plaque that share's the Harbor Inn's history remains at the site.

Streng Oldsmobile, Buffalo

The Streng Oldsmobile dealership operated for 75 years before closing in 1998, when the dealership was sold to General Motors Corporation. The sign itself is listed for sale by Gothic City Antiques and can easily be seen at its storage space on Niagara Street from the I-190 North in Buffalo. 

Judy Ann Motel, Clarence

The sign isn't there anymore, but the former Judy Ann Motel in Clarence still operates as the Clarence Inn. According to tripadvisor.com, owners Elie and Diana Harfouche have operated the motel for over 25 years.

Fountain Court Motel, Clarence

The Fountain Court Motel was built on Main Street in Clarence in 1952 before construction of the New York State Thruway. It closed in 1996, and the building was demolished in 2015.

Pratt Opera Theater, Albion

Although the 1882 Pratt Building has been in continuous use, the Pratt Opera Theater on the third floor had gone vacant for more than 75 years. After extensive renovation efforts, the theater recently reopened as the Pratt Event Center. 

Holiday Inn, Rome

When in Rome (43-plus years ago), you could see one of the iconic "Great Signs" demarking the location of a Holiday Inn hotel franchise. According to Signsofthetimes.com, each "Great Sign" used 836 feet of neon, 31 transformers, 450 light bulbs, and weighed about 14,000 lbs. The signs were retired in 1982 to make way for more cost effective plastic models, with most of the "Great Signs" being destroyed in the process.

The Windmill, Seneca Falls

A former tourist cottage complex, The Windmill in Seneca Falls now operates as the Visitors Info Center near the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce. The windmill itself was built on Routes 5 and 20 in 1928.

North Pole Ice Cream, Chittenango

The North Pole has long been a regional destination for ice cream and casual dining. Although this sign is no longer there, tasty treats are still served here at their location in Chittenango. 

Jet Gas, Watertown

Hats off to Ryan's Jet Gas in Watertown for maintaining their classic, attention grabbing "U Save Jet Gas" sign in Watertown. The gas prices may have changed, but the sign has remained as an easily identifiable local landmark. And yes, they still have diesel. 

Sightseeing by car is an American tradition! So how do you make a road trip even more rewarding? By using your AAA Membership to get great discounts on hotels, local attractions, food, and more. Start saving today!

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