Category Archives: Vintage

The BIG Coffee Pot

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With the rise of automobile travel in the early part of the 20th century, so came the rise of novelty architecture and attempts to attract motorists into businesses along the road. Travelers through Bedford, Pennsylvania may notice this giant coffee pot which is a remnant of that era.

Built in 1927, this coffee pot was a gimmick to draw customers to a service station and restaurant owned by David Bert Koontz. According to a historic marker next to the coffee pot, the early menu included hamburgers, ice cream and Coca Cola. Not only did this quick fare appeal to motorists on the Lincoln Highway, Greyhound passengers took advantage as well when they stopped at the bus depot next door.

It was actually built in another location than its current one but was purchased by the Bedford County Fair Association, relocated to the county fairgrounds, and restored for future generations to enjoy. That was in 2004.

At 18 feet high and 22 feet in diameter, it’s hard to miss and a real treat for us vintage roadside junkies who pretty much live for this kind of thing.

You can’t go inside anymore but it’s free to walk around outside. Here’s a fun fact: if you filled it with coffee, it would hold 819,000 8 ounce cups of coffee!

While it doesn’t serve coffee, it does serve a great lesson in roadside history and the value of creative marketing during the early days of car travel.

Mickey Mart Moose

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This moose mascot is outside a gas station convenience store/Taco Bell in Strasburg, Ohio. He’s eye catching enough I saw some teenager pose for a selfie with it while we were there.

Do you remember all the fun advertising gimmicks of the past? Big statues, nice kids’ meal prizes, colorful fast food playgrounds, and memorable tv commercials have been replaced by industrial eating areas, grey and brown decor, and cheap junk prizes in the kids meals.

It’s like a swarm of depressed accountants have taken over the world. The homogenization is truly uninspiring.

I clearly don’t belong in this modern world of ours. I like kitsch, color and things that make me laugh. I was as delighted by this moose statue as could be. Silly, probably, but I do like character and this guy has it in spades.

I have seen signs that home design trends are veering away from the minimalist look and into something that looks more curated with textures, color and antiques. This is my personal style so it makes me happy to see cozy, collected, and warm spaces catch on.

Will we see a shift in public spaces too?

I hope so.

The Automat

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Today it houses medical offices but this fabulous art deco building was once home to one of the country’s most popular automats.

What is an automat? I’m so glad you asked.

Basically it was a self-serve restaurant with a wall of food behind glass plated doors. You would insert your coin, turn a knob and remove the single serve plate or bowl of food. It was sort of like a giant vending machine only the food was fresh made and delicious dishes like mac and cheese, casseroles, soup, salisbury steak and mouthwatering desserts.

It combined the convenience of fast food with affordability and a pleasant atmosphere.

It is very possible you’ve seen automats in old movies and there’s a great scene in the show The Marvelous Mrs Maisel where the two main characters are eating together in a truly spectacular automat. I also recall Sylvester the cat visiting one once.

We were going to or fro on Philadelphia’s Chestnut Street when I spotted this place and snapped a quick photo.

This building was the home of the old Horn and Hardart Automat and was the first of its kind in this country beginning in 1902. These places were especially popular during the Depression when diners with just a little change in their pocket could get cheap, hearty food.

This concept didn’t survive for even a full century as our last automat closed in New York on April 9, 1991.

Personally, I would like to see these places make a come back. It seems like there’s room for them in our dining landscape and the idea is just fun.

This public domain photo of a Horn and Hardart Automat illustrates the concept.

Want to know more? This CBS News story tells the story really well and includes some great imagery.

That Moment

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That moment you realize this seventy year old station wagon is cooler than anything will ever drive. No offense to my White Lightening but this Chevy Beauville is fabulous.

I saw her cruising in the wild in Frankenmuth, Michigan a couple of years ago and it was quite the treat.

The Mecca Motel

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Location is everything according to this fabulous sign at the Mecca Motel in Colorado Springs. The motel dates to 1930 when its traditional motor court design was popular with a growing group of tourists who had automobiles and leisure time,

The sign, though, is classic mid-century. My only regret is that I had to snap this picture from the car while snow swirled around us on a very gray morning. I would love to see it on a blue sky day.

But you get the gist. Ain’t she a beaut?

In case you’re in the market, you can still stay at the Mecca. Book your room or get more info here.

Manitou Springs Signs

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Trips to Colorado nearly always are rich in cool vintage signs. One morning we had a tasty breakfast at a little mom and pop restaurant called Mo’s Diner in Manitou Springs. That’s their sign pictured above.

From this spot, I was able to grab a snapshot of the LaFun Motel sign across the street. I thought for about two seconds that I might cross the street for a better view but it was snowing and slick and there were people waiting for me to get in the car.

Still, you get the gist.

And just down the street was the Ute Trading Post sign. It’s in pretty rough shape but it’s still a fantastic example of mid century creativity.

One spot, three signs, loads of charm. I liked it.