Compton Car Wash on Rosecrans Avenue in Compton, California

by John Margolies

Experience a taste of the rich Southern Californian roadside culture through this stunning architectural photograph from famous photographer and architectural historian John Margolies. The image was captured during his long-term documentation project of mid-century American commercial architecture and depicts the unique mid-century Googie design and colorful commercial palette of the Compton Car Wash located on Rosecrans Avenue in Compton, California.

For over four decades, Margolies roamed around America documenting roadside architecture such as neon signs, diners, gas stations, and roadside attractions while still under the clear blue skies of their day before disappearing into oblivion. His collection has since been donated to the Library of Congress and stands as one of the best collections of American pop architectural history.