Roadside America
On a series of road trips across the US over forty years (1969-2008), John Margolies recorded the fading remnants of a culture of roadside architecture which was under threat from freeway building, changing taste and corporate fast food. His photos of the bizarre, the surreal and the often downright brilliant examples of twentieth century popular architecture are credited with giving the development of Post-Modernism a critical boost and giving the culture of architecture a much-needed shot of humour and expression in the 1970s and 80s. The photos were, in their own way, as important as the writings of Robert Venturi and Denise Scott-Brown and Charles Jencks in arguing for a more inclusive and more entertaining canon of modern design.
Big Fish Supper Club, Route 2, Bena, Minnesota, 1980
© John Margolies
Roadside America
Bomber gas station, Route 99E, Milwaukie, Oregon
© John Margolies
Roadside America
Shell gas station, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
© John Margolies
Roadside America
Teapot Dome gas station, Zillah, Washington
© John Margolies
Roadside America
Teepee gas station, Route 40, Lawrence, Kansas
© John Margolies
Roadside America
The Whale car wash, N. 50th & Meridian, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
© John Margolies
Roadside America
Dependable Used Cars sign, Grand Rapids, Michigan
© John Margolies
Roadside America
Broiler Cafe, N. Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah
© John Margolies
Roadside America
Christie’s Restaurant sign, Houston, Texas
© John Margolies
Roadside America
K&J Dairy, 11600 Livernois, Detroit, Michigan
© John Margolies
Roadside America
Long Island Duck, Long Island, New York, ca. 1976.
© John Margolies
Roadside America
Mammy’s Cupboard, Route 61, Natchez, Mississippi
© John Margolies
Roadside America
Mickey’s Diner, 36 W. 9th Street, St. Paul, Minnesota
© John Margolies
Roadside America
Modern Diner, Dexter Avenue, Pawtucket, Rhode Island
© John Margolies
Roadside America
The Donut Hole, Amar Road, La Puente, California
© John Margolies
Roadside America
The Milk Can, Route 146, Lincoln, Rhode Island
© John Margolies
Roadside America
Tower Restaurant, University Avenue & Reno Drive, San Diego, California
© John Margolies
Roadside America
It’ll Do Motel office, Jonesborough, Tennessee
© John Margolies
Roadside America
Red Run Lodge, Ronzerville, Pennsylvania, 1982.
© John Margolies
Roadside America
Dog Bark Park, Route 95, Cottonwood, Idaho
© John Margolies
Roadside America
Trail Drive-in Theater, SW Military, San Antonio, Texas
© John Margolies
MARGOLIES ROADSIDE AMERICA