John Margolies' photographs of roadside America

summary

John Margolies documented thousands of unique, homemade buildings and signs along American roads to preserve a vanishing form of vernacular architecture. While critics viewed these structures as tacky or mindless, Margolies found genuine beauty and wit in their eccentric designs. His extensive archive now serves as a historical record of a culture being erased by corporate franchising and the shift toward high-speed interstates. This collection ensures that the whimsical spirit of local roadside creativity is not entirely lost to time.

key points

1. Margolies focused on novelty architecture, specifically buildings that mimicked their own function, such as car washes shaped like whales or coffeehouses shaped like coffeepots.
2. The rise of the interstate system and the growth of corporate franchising displaced local businesses, leading to the disappearance of unique, homemade roadside attractions.
3. The Library of Congress has acquired Margolies' vast archive of over 11,000 slides, making these images of North American vernacular design accessible to the public without copyright restrictions.

who should read it

People interested in American history, architecture, and photography. It also appeals to those who appreciate quirky, folk-art aesthetics and the evolution of transportation culture.

discussion positive