{"id":870,"date":"2022-09-29T19:35:06","date_gmt":"2022-09-29T19:35:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devotedgrandma.com\/?p=870"},"modified":"2022-12-09T23:49:08","modified_gmt":"2022-12-09T23:49:08","slug":"memory-lane-john-margolies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.devotedgrandma.com\/nostalgia\/memory-lane-john-margolies\/","title":{"rendered":"Take A Nostalgic Road Trip Down Memory Lane In The 1970s"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I feel like I was just transported to a time 40+ years ago. A time when things were simpler. Not easier, just simpler<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the mid-1970s, a man named John Margolies<\/a> became concerned that the roadside attractions he came to love during long road trips would one day be replaced. A more modern, “larger” world focused on materialism would displace the simple wonders of a bowling alley, a diner, or even a general store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Margolies was absolutely right. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately for us, Margolies decided to begin taking photographs during his trips. He captured everything from gas stations to motels to ice cream shops and everything in between.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even better, Margolies didn’t do this for his personal gain. He did it as a service to humanity. More than 11,000 of his photographs are now part of the Library of Congress<\/a> where we’re free to use and love them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or, in this case of this article: take a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Enjoy the photos I curated below – I know I did!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Official photo credits: John Margolies Roadside America photograph archive (1972-2008), Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Gas Stations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thinking of a gas station today comes with a lot of negative thoughts. High prices, the weirdo hanging outside the door, and the fact that you swear you just <\/em>filled your tank. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the gas stations of the 70s hit me a little different. Driving was still new, the roads weren’t so crowded, and I didn’t have to drive as far. But we all know the 70s brought some serious oil problems!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of these gas stations below had already seen their final days, but I remember them really well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mobil
Mobil Gas, Wilson Kansas. 1979. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How Much Was Gas In The 1970s?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When the 70s began, the national gas average was 36 cents<\/a>. Of course, much like today, that decade came with its own shocking oil crisis. By the end of the decade, it had reached 86 cents!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That’s about $3.52 in 2022 dollars. As of this writing, it’s about $3.70 but it wasn’t long ago it was approaching $5. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Modern
Modern Gas, Connersville, Indiana. 1980. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Gibble
Gibble Gas, Arcadia, Oklahoma. 1979. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Diners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Burgers, fries, and a milkshake? I could go for all three right now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, diners – or at least a version of them – still exist across America, but not quite like in the 1970s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They were a cultural staple all througout the post-WWII era. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Elm
Elm Diner in Kingston, New York. 1976. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What Kind Of Food Did Diners Serve In the 70s?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While the menu would of course vary, some staples of diners in the 70s included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n