Harbor Inn Sign in Buffalo, New York

by John Margolies

A beautiful picture that shows the unique characteristics of vernacular architecture of America in the middle of the century, the picture is taken by John Margolies, who is famous for being an excellent documentary photographer, and shows the neon sign of the Harbor Inn in Buffalo, New York. The neon sign of the Harbor Inn resembles the white and blue lighthouse tower, and it contains the words "HARBOR" written vertically on it with blue block lettering. The neon sign is held with a series of steel guy wires.

Margolies was famous for his lifetime devotion to documenting roadside attractions and quirky storefronts of fading Americana. An exceptional example of such work, this picture is printed on archival quality paper and captures the essence of roadside culture along with the regional hospitality of Buffalo.