Lincoln Motel (Gone)
Chicago, IL
Photo courtesy Devil Doll

The Lincoln Motel in Chicago had a marquee that really came to life after dark. With its bright neon lettering and sweeping arrow pointing the way, it was one of those motel signs that was impossible to miss along North Lincoln Avenue. 10-04

The Lincoln was part of Chicago's famous "Motel Row," where independent motels lined the old route into the city long before the interstate highways took over. Each motel tried to outdo the next with bigger and brighter signs, and the Lincoln certainly held its own.

The large arrow is what makes this sign so memorable. It's a classic piece of roadside advertising that practically pulls you into the parking lot. Signs like this helped define an era of American road travel, and it's always fun to see them still glowing in old photographs.

UPDATE: The Lincoln Motel was demolished in 2007 as part of a redevelopment project. The neon marquee is gone, and the property has since been redeveloped. 07-26

Patio Motel (Gone)
Chicago, IL
Photo courtesy Devil Doll

Here's a shot of the Patio Motel marquee all lit up. The sign proudly advertised the motel's slogan, "An Adventure in Living." Hopefully, it was a good adventure! 10-04

The Patio was one of the many independent motels that lined Chicago's old Motel Row along North Lincoln Avenue. Long before the interstate highways changed the way people traveled, this stretch of road was filled with neon signs competing for the attention of passing motorists.

The marquee was definitely the highlight here. Between the bright colors, bold lettering, and unusual slogan, it had plenty of personality. It's not every day you come across a motel promising "An Adventure in Living."

UPDATE: The Patio Motel no longer operates under that name, but the building is still standing as the North Park Inn. The old neon marquee has been removed. 07-26

Winesburg Motel (Rem.)
Clyde, OH
Photo and info courtesy Richard Weiss

The Winesburg Motel in Clyde, Ohio featured a roadside marquee with blinking blue neon that was sure to catch the attention of passing motorists. Sometimes a little flashing neon is all it takes to make a sign stand out from the rest. 03-07

The motel sits along old U.S. Route 20 and takes its name from Winesburg, Ohio, Sherwood Anderson's classic 1919 collection of short stories. Anderson grew up in Clyde, and the town served as the inspiration for the fictional Winesburg featured in his book.

The sign may not be the biggest around, but the blinking blue neon gives it a little extra personality after dark. It's details like that which make old motel signs so much fun to photograph.

UPDATE: The Winesburg Motel looks to still be open. Though the neon sign disappeared over a decade ago. 07-26

Gateway Motel (Gone)
Oak Lawn, IL
Photo courtesy Bruce R. Cassi / 2004

The Gateway Motel celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2004. To celebrate, the owners had new landscaping added in front and removed this classic neon sign. A plain and simple backlit plastic sign with advertising space underneath was erected on the opposite side of the property. Except for some minor fading in the paint, the neon sign was in perfect working order when it was taken down. Many thanks to Bruce R. Cassi for info. 04-07

The Gateway opened in 1954 along busy Cicero Avenue and welcomed travelers for decades. Aside from a little faded paint, the sign was still in excellent condition and the neon was working perfectly when it came down. It's always a shame to lose a sign like this, especially when it wasn't beyond saving. The replacement may have been easier to maintain, but it certainly didn't have the same character.

UPDATE: The Gateway Motel has closed, and the property has been converted to other commercial uses. The classic neon sign is gone. 07-26

Pendleton Motel (Demolished)
Pendleton, IN
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

Check out the Pendleton Motel neon sign with its script lettering glowing brightly after dark. It was a simple design, but sometimes that's all it takes to make a motel stand out along the highway. 07-07

Before it became the Pendleton Motel, the property operated under the memorable name Winkin, Blinkin and Nod. Over the years it passed through several owners while continuing to welcome travelers passing through Pendleton.

The neon marquee was the highlight of the property and gave the motel plenty of roadside appeal. It's always nice to come across signs that still light up the way they were meant to.

UPDATE: The Pendleton Motel closed in the early 2000s and was later demolished after being used by the local fire department for training exercises. The old neon sign is gone, leaving only memories and photographs behind. 07-26

Sheryl Manor Motel
Huntington, IN
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The Sheryl Manor Motel in Huntington, Indiana is another one of those classic roadside motels that reminds you of a time when a bright neon sign and a catchy name were enough to pull travelers off the highway for the night. The tiered marquee and flowing script give it plenty of mid-century charm. 07-07

The motel may be small, but that's part of its appeal. With just a handful of rooms, it has a cozy feel that's a far cry from today's chain hotels. Inside, the owners have kept the retro atmosphere alive with décor that reflects its 1960s roots.

Of course, it's the sign that steals the show. The combination of script lettering and stacked design makes it one of those motel marquees that's easy to remember long after you've driven by.

UPDATE: The Sheryl Manor Motel is still open. Not sure if the neon still lights up every night, but the vintage sign is still standing and looks as good as ever. 07-26