Thoughts and Works in Progress

Silos in the Field, Victoriaville, Virginia

America was built on agriculture, from the colonists' adoption of Native American methods to the early plantations exporting tobacco to the westward settlements across the land. Economic expansion and growth was rooted in farming.

Shiprock Park, Richmond, Virginia

Binhammer Photographs, Roadside America Photo Series

What is: Shiprock Park, Richmond, VA What was: Replacing locks built in 1816, the great lock was constructed in the 1850s. It is the lowest point that connects the James River with the Richmond Dock, completing the James River and Kanawha…

Motels and Swimming Pools

Binhammer Photographs, Photoblog, Roadside America Photo Series

What is: the fenced in pool in the middle of the motel parking lot. Vegetation growing through the concrete. Santa Rosa, New Mexico What was: In the 1930’s, hotels began having pools built as marketing tools. The Biltmore Hotel in Coral…

Last In First In, GlenRio, Texas, Route 66

Binhammer Photographs, Photoblog, Roadside America Photo Series

With the advent of Route 66 Glenrio became a popular stopping place for travelers and a “welcome station” station was built near the state line.

The Blue Swallow Motel, Route 66,Tucumcari, NM.

Binhammer Photographs, Photoblog, Roadside America Photo Series

What is: Family owned, with era restored rooms, 1940s phones that work, a garage attached to your room and amazing neon in the courtyard and signs, the Blue Swallow is a gorgeous and pleasant step back. Guests enjoy a reminder of what it was…

Howard Johnson’s on the Roads

Binhammer Photographs, Photoblog, Roadside America Photo Series

Howard Johnson’s was a pioneer of franchising and the nationwide roadside restaurant, replicating everything from its look to its menus. At its zenith, Howard Johnson's operated more than 1,000 restaurants.