Accidents Happen... 6 of 365

When traveling for sign photography purposes I'm a planner. I research, I map, I select my shooting order based upon level of importance aka awesomeness if I have a limited amount of time. I don't want to miss anything, let alone anything good... it's an "all the things" sorta need. Yes, you can mock my perfectionism, I'm okay with it.

It's a rare occasion when I find myself in a car with my camera in a place I've never researched, or, for that matter, heard of. In fact it's only happened once, and somehow there were signs...  I guess accidents do happen.

Once a Motel sign, now someone's driveway marker. I'm only immensely jealous.

It may not be epic, but I was pretty darn excited to find it. If you're ever in Lake Isabella you should go looking for it. Six down, 359 more to come.

Perfect Place for a Friday Night... 5 of 365

Who here remembers tropical storm Hillary? Show of hands? That's right... nobody. I wouldn't either, if not for the fact she ruined a few solid hours of shooting in Tucson with her high winds, cloud cover and rain. I hung in there with the best of them, but after I started getting pelted with pebbles I decided to pack it in before any equipment was damaged. You can bruise me, scrape me or make me bleed, but I'll be damned if you're going to scratch my lens. But back to Tucson...

If you've never been to Tucson you absolutely MUST go. It is a veritable smorgasbord of vintage neon signage, with some of the most unique signs I've had the pleasure to see. I've already posted a fair amount of my Tucson images to either my Etsy shop or my Flickr page but there are a few gems I haven't gotten around to editing. Tonight I'm digging one out of the archives, simply because it sounds like the perfect place to spend a Friday evening. Of course I'm at home blogging and making cream cheese icing, but that doesn't matter. The Crossroads restaurant is apparently pretty darn good and worth the drive to the edge of town. I'll be going back to Tucson to capture the rest of the signs I couldn't shoot thanks to Hillary, and the Crossroads is on my list for lunch.

Yes, that's a neon beer mug.

Happy Friday night folks! See you tomorrow for the six installation in this crazy project of mine...

Motel Monday - Loop de Loop

Most of my road trips are centered around groupings of signs I want to photograph that can be found within a city or general area. This makes my trips more efficient, allowing me to capture as many signs as possible and attempt to save gas in the process. But every once in a while I'll stumble upon a vintage sign that is so extraordinary I will drive well out of my way just to photograph it and nothing else. That one sign is the trip.

Perhaps it's just a function of it's location, but the Loop Motor Lodge in Venture was one of those signs for me. I've had it on my maps for years, and with every trip to Los Angeles I'd wish I'd made it farther north and west. A few weeks ago I finally took the trip and was thrilled to finally see it in person.

I love the neon details that adorn the outside of the sign, and I bet it looked amazing when fully lit. A vintage postcard I found of the motel shows that some changes have been made to the sign over the years, but the core remains unchanged. The design is so classic and simple it makes me smile. 

Here's hoping that smile lasts all week!

Happy Monday!

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - Buck Season

I love Arizona. Between Tuscon and Mesa and Route 66, Arizona is a mecca of vintage neon signs. And thankfully those signs are within driving distance. Today's Motel Monday feature is the amazing Bukhorn Baths Mineral Wells and Motel located on East Main Street in Mesa.

The Buckhorn Baths were originally opened in 1926 as a gas station but things changed when the Sligers purchased the property and discovered a mineral hot spring in 1939. In 1947 the New York Giants decided to make the Buckhorn Baths and Motel their spring training home, and they kept coming back as the San Francisco Giants until 1972. In short, the Sligers and these baths helped give birth to the Cactus League. A rather detailed article about the Buckhorn Baths' contribution to Arizona's Cactus League is on PlayBall's website. That's right, my love for baseball and vintage roadside americana has officially collided. The baths also included a wildlife museum, a huge taxidermy collection, a sand golf course, and more vintage memorabilia than could possibly fit in one location. The property was closed in 1999 but the lobby just looks like someone stepped out to lunch.

In 2005 Buckhorn Baths was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and it was recently listed as the most endangered roadside location by the Society of Commercial Archaeology. Thankfully the Mesa Preservation Foundation is working to restore the Buckhorn Baths property so that it is available to travelers and little league players for years to come. I can't wait to do more than just stare through the windows.

Happy Monday!

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - Sometimes It Storms

Desert Sun

Like any good traveler, I check the weather before heading out on a road trip. If it's definitely going to rain all weekend or snow, there's just no point in going. A few trips to Los Angeles have already been cancelled this year due to weather... yes, it does rain in Southern California.

Last fall there was a chance that tropical storm Hillary would cause some problems in Tucson, Arizona. If it rained at all, it wasn't going to be until much later on Saturday, and Mesa was supposed to be clear on Sunday. I decided the wealth of vintage neon signs was worth the risk and we took off on Friday night for Tucson. Saturday morning was beautiful, but there was too much neon in Tuscon for me to shoot it all before Hillary blew in. By the time we made it to West Miracle Mile the clouds had rolled in and I was getting pelted by dirt and pebbles that had been picked up by the wind.

Miracle Mile has several beautiful vintage neon signs but I was only able to shoot three of them before the wind became too much. Of the three, this photograph of the Sun Land Motel is the only one that makes the Retro Roadside Photography cut. I usually prefer blue skies, but there's just something about the moodiness of this shot that I enjoy. 

Happy Monday!

- Stefanie

Etsy Finds - On the Road Again

Here's to opening your email on Monday morning and finding your hard work front and center.  Yes... that's my woody print top left. I must have looked a little ridiculous with the smile this put on my face. 

Want your own woody? You can pick up the print in any size from 4x6 to 20x30 in my Retro Roadside Photo shop on Etsy.  

Until next time!

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - Rollin' Like a Celebrity

St. Patrick's Day weekend is over but I'm still feeling the green and have decided to run with it. Thus, in the spirit of my favorite color, today's Motel Monday feature is the famous Beverly Hills Hotel. The Hotel was built in 1912 and the city of Beverly Hills eventually sprang up around it. The surrounding streets lined with palm trees are a beautiful place to spend a warm afternoon.

I have loved these Beverly Hills Hotel signs for as long as I can remember... meaning I loved them before I loved signs. The gorgeous typography, the color, and their presentation are striking. In the evening green neon glows from behind the elevated letters of the signs which keep the neon tubes and cathodes hidden from view. They are vintage simplicity and beautiful appeal. In short, the Beverly Hills Hotel sports the Audrey Hepburn of vintage signs. Yes, I said it. 

I just managed to reference Weezer, Audrey Hepburn and Beverly Hills in 200 words or less. I think it's going to be a good week. Happy Monday!

- Stefanie

Foodie Friday - Bring the Green

I don't ever need an excuse to wear my favorite color, but if I did, this Saturday is it. That's right... I will be wearing green every second of St. Patrick's Day. It's not my fault it brings out my eyes. 

In celebration of tomorrow's unique and color specific traditions... green beer, really?... I have two Irish themed Foodie Friday photographs for you. These signs fit together like two peas in a pod. And at this very moment I'm chuckling to myself because peas are green making my analogy even better. Now on to the good stuff.

The first St. Patty's Day beauty is the Shamrock Dinners sign from Yreka, California. Heading north on Highway 99, take the Easy Street exit, take a right and make your way back towards the freeway. The restaurant building is still standing and seems to be rather large. Shamrock Dinners shut it's doors at least 4 years ago and the property was for sale back in 2008. Like most of these closed down places, I can't find a single thing about the restaurant. Based on the sign, I'm guessing they served liquor and food, but that's really not much to go on. I do know that I trespassed to take this shot and was in great fear of being chased off the property. Thankfully my fears were unfounded and this snap was completely worth a little anxiety. A large print of this beauty is on it's way to a new home today. I hear it's going to be the centerpiece of the kitchen decor. 

Not to be left out is Tom Bergin's Steak and Chop restaurant that touts itself as the House of Irish Coffee. Tom's Bergin's Tavern was established in 1936 and has been around for 75 years. They're in the midst of remodeling and apparently are hoping to be around for 75 more to share their Irish heritage with Los Angeles. I must say it's wonderful to see their neon signs in such great shape. Once they've reopened I'll have to return to capture the neon lit at night. I think I"ll have some dinner while I'm at it. I always love a good steak.

 Happy Friday! Enjoy your St. Patrick's Day weekend wherever it may take you.

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - You're a Shining Star

Baby You're a Star

On my last trip to Las Vegas I made sure to take a tour of the Neon Museum, commonly referred to as the Boneyard. The museum has been saving signs since 1996 and currently boasts over 150 donated and rescued signs. It's also been responsible for the restoration and installation of several formerly retired neon signs around Las Vegas and managed to save the iconic lobby of the historic La Concha Hotel which closed in December 2003. I'll have to tell you more about the concrete paraboloid building and it's architect another time...

Yes, I paid attention on the museum tour. My guide would be so proud.

You're probably wondering what any of this has to do with today's Motel Moday post. Well here goes... The majority of the signs in the boneyard are the original products of Young Electric Sign Company, more commonly known as YESCO. You can see their logo on the bottom of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. YESCO loans out signs to the casinos and then trades old signs for brand new ones as the need arises. The retired signs are then turned over to the boneyard.

According to my museum guide, YESCO currently has a grandfather, father and son team working for them as their neon crafters. When interviewed, the son stated it takes about 10 years to master the art of bending or curving neon tubes for signs. He said they also receive several inquiries about custom signs, but many people are discouraged by the cost. Expressed in it's simplest form, neon signs cost approximately $20 per bend in the neon tube. Not only does this explain how expensive neon is to maintain, but it makes me marvel even more at today's Motel Monday feature.

The Starlite Motel opened in 1952 in North Las Vegas on what used to be called Main Street. Not surprisingly the street was later renamed to Las Vegas Boulevard North. The Starlite still seems to function as a genuine motel and the neon sign out front has been impeccably maintained. I didn't see a broken tube or an unlit star on either side.

Did I mention it's 60 years old? I'd love to look that good at 60.

Happy Monday!

- Stefanie

Foodie Friday - It's the Cheese

In the last Foodie Friday post I brought you Canter's Deli, a New York style delicatessen that's been around for more than 80 years. Today's feature isn't quite as old, but at 66 it is still a senior citizen. 

Cheese 'n Stuff Deli was established in 1949 on Central Avenue in Phoenix, Arizona. Their awesome globe shaped sign includes the tag line "From Everywhere" because the deli carries several food items from around the globe. According to their website, a truck load of goodies from New York arrives the third week of every month. So if you're jonesing for something from the city, make sure you stop by then. The site also includes a vintage photograph of Central Avenue and the Deli in all it's glory.

This part of Central Avenue doesn't look remotely the same any longer, but Cheese 'n Stuff has survived. I really wanted to eat at the deli on my trip but sadly they are closed on Sundays. So after staring longingly through the front windows, I photographed their beautiful sign and went on my way. I don't even remember what I had for lunch instead. 

If you've eaten at Cheese 'n Stuff, please send me your recommendations. I want to make sure I order something delicious the next time I'm in Phoenix.

Happy Friday!

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - Another New Mexico Find

Last  fall I drove to Tucumcari, New Mexico during the Thanksgiving weekend for the longest sign chasing road trip I've yet to enjoy. You may remember my post about the Blue Swallow Motel a few months ago. Today's Motel Monday feature was the very first photographic stop on the trip.

Sitting at the far eastern end of Route 66 in Tucumcari, the Pony Soldier Motel was demolished sometime before 2010. What is left behind is a concrete slab, several rusted and gutted old cars, and this glorious sign. In searching for information about the now gone motel, all I was able to dig up is this vintage undated postcard on 66postcards.com

The sign has changed a bit since the postcard photo was snapped, but the core items remain the same. I wish they had saved the marquee, but I definitely love the "Here We Are on Route 66" addition. A close up of just that sign will be up in my Retro Roadside Photography shop soon.

Happy Monday!

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - It's Still the Weekend

I dig the star mobile...

This President's Day Motel Monday is a little late because let's face it, it's still the weekend. I've been too busy chasing neon to be blogging. Sometimes there's just not enough hours in the day.

I have yet to find a Presidential themed or named Motel, so instead I'm opting for the Holiday Lodge Motel in Los Angeles. At least it's got the Holiday part right. I also find humor in the naming repetition of both Lodge and Motel.

If you're a fan of the cancelled television show Numb3rs you may have caught this sign flash by in an episode or two. The motel was used as a filming location for at least one perpetrator hide out.

Enjoy the holiday!

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - Third Star to the Right

"Third Star to the Right" available through my Retro Roadside Photography shop

I signed up for the Disneyland Half Marathon recently and this morning it seems to be my inspiration for Motel Monday. Sometimes it's easy to decide which signs to feature, other days I wish my computer could play row sham bow to help me choose. Today Disney won.

Las Vegas is the king of neon and I'm sure they have single-handedly kept YESCO in business. For this I am obviously very grateful. The strip is full of neon that is replaced and repaired constantly. But off the strip along historic Fremont Street sit several motels and their signs. Some have been restored, some have fallen into disrepair. Some of them are long gone, and only their signs remain. One of these signs was featured in an earlier Motel Monday post.

Today is another Fremont Street friend. I have no idea how long it's been around, but the Peter Pan Motel was recently renovated and the sign was restored. The colors pop, the typeset is awesome, and Peter Pan is outlined in neon. Now if he could just teach me to fly I'd appreciate it. 

Come on, a girl can dream. Happy Monday!

- Stefanie

Foodie Friday - Since 1931

One of two Canter's Delicatessen photographs available on my Retro Roadside Photography shop

In need of a Restaurant, Deli or Bakery? You've come to the right place. Canter's is open all day almost every day of the year to feed your food needs. Canter's opened in 1931 but moved to Fairfax Boulevard when the neighborhood changed. In 1953 Canters moved just down the street to it's current location. That's almost 50 years in one spot and it has the neon signage to prove it. 

Canter's on Fairfax

All of the neon, including the signage on the front of the building, is in full working order. I can't wait to take another trip to LA and photograph this sign at night.

 Happy Friday!

- Stefanie

Foodie Friday - King Me Johnnie!

Johnnie's Pastrami for sale on my Retro Roadside Photography shop

A few days ago I featured the Astro Motel and Deano's, two vintage motels on Sepulveda Boulevard in Culver City. I thought I'd stick with Sepulveda for the rest of the week and feature Johnnie's Pastrami. 

Johnnie's opened in 1952 and was packed with patrons when I snapped it's photo last year. The food looked mighty tasty and smelled delicious. Why have I always just eaten? Johnnie's vintage neon sign looks as great as the food smelled. I still love the crown dotting the I. It's just classy.

Happy Friday!

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - Made for Each Other

This morning's selection brings you two motel signs from Las Vegas that were literally made for each other. The first is the Holiday Motel which still an operates along South Las Vegas Boulevard. It's sign is a little bit googie, a little bit circus, and a little bit space age with amazing colors. It even sports a vintage American Express shield plastic sign.

The second is the Far East Ambassador, a motel that was demolished in 2007. The sign stands on the sidewalk along Fremont Street and used to advertise $16 rooms and packaged liquor. Now the marquee just reads closed. According to the online buzz, the sign will go to the Neon Museum, a place I happen to love. I hope the rumors are true.

These photographs were taken on two different days, and at different times, but their colors and shapes make them look like long lost siblings. Placed side by side, they literally appear to be made for each other.

Both of these Motel Monday features are in my Retro Roadside Photography shop and they are ready to ship for you last minute Christmas shoppers.

Happy almost Christmas Monday!

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - The Best View in Town

The beauty of road trips is that sometimes you end up in places you'd never expect. On a recent Route 66 trip I had planned on stopping in Needles, but on Friday night spontaneously decided to drive on to Kingman, Arizona. Saturday morning was warmer than expected, but the magnificent signs in Kingman were well worth being outside in the heat.

The Hill Top Motel along Route 66 was definitely one of the standouts from this trip. The bright red color doesn't hurt, but it feels like it's straight out of a Western... perfect for the cowboy in your life. And their claim that they have the best view in Kingman? Absolutely true. The view of the mountains from the parking court in front of the rooms is beautiful, and it's clear that the motel has been faithfully maintained as much as possible. If you want to know more about the Hill Top Motel, including their famous guest list, history and triva can be found on their website which includes vintage motel post cards that you won't find on eBay.

 Happy Monday!

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - Where Did the Weekend Go?

Follow the Arrow

As I'm sitting here drafting the latest edition of Motel Monday, I'm trying to recall the blur that was my weekend. It honestly feels like I just left the office... is it really over already? Sadly it appears that way.

This week's feature is the Tucson Inn . I think it's sign sports the largest arrow I've seen any where other than Las Vegas. Tucson is home to several neon signs which will no doubt turn up on here later, but this one is definitely one of my favorites. And the light that morning... perfect!

Happy Monday everyone! Here's to a short week and a wonderful holiday weekend.

- Stefanie

P.S. Check back tomorrow for an important announcement...

Motel Monday - Double Feature

The Desert of Anaheim

Today's Motel Monday showcases two different motels in the Los Angeles area with very similar names, the Sahara Motel and the Saharan Motor Hotel. Both signs appear to have been painted recently, and have undergone a few changes. In the case of the Sahara Motel, the changes were slight... in the case of Hollywood's Saharan Motor Hotel, the changes were rather substantial.

The Saharan

When I first saw this sign in 2008,the letters were still neon tubes and the blue letters were only visible at night. Within the past few years the neon and bulbs were sadly replaced with back-lit plastic letters. I wonder if the neon stars still glow at night...

I know of three other hotels with similar names: one in Jordan Valley, Oregon; a second in Albuquerque, New Mexico; and the third in Las Vegas. I can't wait to shoot the one in New Mexico in a few weeks.

And that concludes today's feature. Until next time...

- Stefanie

Welcome to Motel Monday!

Vacancy

If you've taken a peek at my Retro Roadside Photo shop lately I'm sure you'll have noticed that I have a habit of shooting vintage motel signs. It's taken a while, but I've gathered a rather large collection of photographs. It hit me this weekend that I should share them all, one by one, on Motel Mondays. Thus the idea was born...

It seems only fitting that I should start this series with the sign that started it all. A little more than three years ago I shot the Supai Motel sign on Route 66 in Seligman Arizona and fell in love. Better yet, as a photographer I found a subject matter that called my name. My weekend road trip destinations have become places with great neon and my maps are dotted with liquor stores, motels, abandoned lots, bowling alleys and diners. I seek out the places most people miss and relish in the hidden gems that I never expected to find. It's my own version of a treasure hunt, and the Supai Motel sign is the first jewel I laid eyes on.

Happy Monday! Here's to an excellent week.

- Stefanie