Motel Sign Evolution
Like many businesses, the Modernaire Motel featured a variety of signs to capture the attention of travelers along the Lincoln Highway. A small homemade sign marking the entrance to the circular driveway was first way they welcomed travelers.
By the early 1950’s this sleek stainless steel framed sign with distinctive Modernaire lettering was perched along the Lincoln Highway in the center of the circular lawn in front of the Lincoln Highway. Like many motels of its day, the AAA recommendation was highly desired and featured here with lights to attract weary travelers at night.
The larger Modernaire Motel neon sign replaced this edition in the late 1950’s as each new owner put their own stamp on the place. This vintage retro postcard clearly shows the triangle shaped neon sign directly in front of the motel.
This similar period photo postcard shows that the newer sign was not moved to in front of the pool area at this later date. The relocation of the neon sign did not occur until after East Market Street (Lincoln Highway/PA 462) was widened at the intersection with Mount Zion Road. At that point, the original sign location was lost but not the sign.
There are even fewer pictures of the Modernaire Motel neon sign lit up at night. This 1990’s photo was provided by Lincoln Highway historian, Brian Butko. Today, we have successfully removed the sign to begin restoration of the tired metal can and recreation of the neon letters that were a welcoming beacon to the Modernaire Motel. The Straw family gave up their AAA rating so that they could keep the neon sign reminding us all of our love for two-lane highways and family owned lodging on our Great American road trips. We need your help to finish the work this Spring.
