There is no doubt you would hit the brakes when you spotted this marvel in Winnemucca, Nev. Lighting up a corner, right on U.S. 40, this combination casino and restaurant offered all-night gambling and entertainment. This late 1960s photo shows Joe Mackie’s Star Broiler Restaurant and Casino. The name doesn’t exactly roll off the lips, [...]
From a state known for its scenic landscapes, here are a few beauties to check out. The first photo is downtown Montrose situated on U.S. 50. Dense clusters of buildings, sweet signs and people walking give the town a bustling flair. This photo looks to be from the early 1960s.
Next up, the eastern Colorado town [...]
Check out this awesome brochure for Harold’s Pony Express Motel. Located on U.S. 40, this lodge was only a few blocks from Reno, Nev. colorful casino center. The cover of the guide shows a motel built in Ranch-style architecture.
The guide shows off a crisp room filled with mid-century blonde furniture sitting on a cool-looking western [...]
The Sky-Vu Motel is still in business along the edge of U.S 40 in eastern Kansas City, Mo. This ranch-style motel was built in the late 1940s and was crowned by a gorgeous sign made of porcelain, neon and chasing light bulbs. Metal awnings and classic seashell metal chairs decorated this 24-room lodge. Sadly, the [...]
The ‘Main Street of America’ moniker was used for several early highways in America. Of course, its most famous application was and is with Route 66. But this early road brochure, from 1926, show other routes trumpeted it too. U.S. 40 was a true cross-country road. Atlantic City, N.J. is on the eastern end and [...]
Curators, here at the Museum, pour over an extensive collection of ephemera, including matchbook covers. These dimunitive examples of advertising showcase roadside stops and attractions along America’s highways. These covers from Texas and Ohio are real beauties. The Grande Courts in San Antonio were managed by Lon P. Piper and boasted of “America’s Finest Tourist [...]
