Do You Remember These Roadside Landmarks?
Do You Remember These Roadside Landmarks?
Lovers of Americana and roadside attractions rejoice! One of the largest collections of historic roadside photographs has been released by The Library of Congress. The collection of over 11,000 photos were shot by John Margolies between 1969 and 2008.
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 bypassers 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.
21 Club, Buffalo
Very little information is available about the 21 Club, pictured here in 1980. A different 21 Club operates today at the Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls, NY. If you have any memories or information on Buffalo's 21 Club, get in touch here!
Streng Oldsmobile, Buffalo
The Streng Oldsmobile dealership operated for 75 years before closing in 1998, when the dealership was sold to General Motors Corporation.
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 has been vacant for more than 75 years. Restoration efforts have been ongoing, and building owners are pursuing a certificate of occupancy for the theater to bring it back into use.
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.
Sightseeing by car is an American tradition! So how do you make a road trip even more exciting? By using your AAA membership to get great discounts on gas, hotels, local attractions, food and more. Start saving today!