John Margolies (1940-2016) recorded visual wonders found along American roads. Through his photojournalism we see the kind of mimetic and vernacular architecture that even if you don’t like, you should be happy exists. In this gallery we look at gas stations and garages, places of individual expression, eccentricity, fun and fantasy.
“It’s a record of American commerce that no longer exists,” he said. “The mom and pop shops were killed by box stores and the internet.”
Teapot gas station 1987
Hat n’ Boots gas station, overall view, Route 99 1980
Bomber gas station, diagonal view, Route 99 E. 1980
Harold’s Auto Center, horizontal view, Sinclair gas station, Route 19 1979
Teepee gas station, Route 40 1980
Pagoda gas station, Harley Sprague 1977
Flagman gas station – 1984
Gas sign – 1980
Gas Guy statue 1987
Two Stiffs Selling Gas detail (two statues) 1981
Stan The Tire Man statue, angle shot, Broadway 1984
Octopus Car Wash 1981
Earl Schieb Auto Painting sign, upper detail, Olympic Boulevard 1981
Hat & Boots Texaco 1979
Quincy Service Station 1984
Airway drive in center – 1988
Ritter Auto Parts sign 1982
Sterline Windmill Service 1978
Dependable Used Cars sign, Division Street 1982
Spray foam trucks prospector statue and sign, overall view, Frontage Road, I-5 1987
Teepee at gas station, souvenir place, Route 66 1979
Iceberg gas station – 1980
Indian City Exxon 1979
Kenco Gas 1982
Shell station 1979
Egyptian Garage 1979
Menlo Kalbach gas sign, Rt. 6 1978
Milk Depot gas station, vertical view, 900 South & 140 East 1979
Premium gas station (formerly Joy gas station), Lakeshore Boulevard & Wondermere 1987
Menlo Kalbach gas sign, Rt. 6 1978
John Margolies Roadside America Photograph Archive
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