Dairy Freeze Ice Cream Sign on Rt. 56 in Mount Sterling, Ohio

by John Margolies

Taken in 1987 by renowned photographer and architectural historian John Margolies, this vibrant color photograph captures the pure Americana of the Dairy Freeze Ice Cream sign on Route 56 in Mount Sterling, Ohio. Famous for his extensive collection of photographs depicting commercial vernacular architecture from around the United States, Margolies draws attention to the lively typography and mid-century design that characterized roadside attractions during this time.

This artwork is truly a rare find for any collector of roadside culture from the 20th century, as well as lovers of vintage neon and sign painting. Housed in the John Margolies Roadside America Collection at the Library of Congress, this photograph is truly a treasure of mid-century heartland nostalgia.