This feature delves into the enthralling universe of American roadside wonders, drawing insights from Rolando Pujol's captivating book, 'The Great American Retro Road Trip.' It highlights the enthusiast's dedicated pursuit of these distinctive landmarks, ranging from whimsical architectural structures to memorable gigantic figures. The narrative underscores the profound cultural and historical value embedded in these often-overlooked elements of the American landscape, emphasizing their role in shaping a unique national aesthetic. Through Pujol's perspective, the article champions the preservation of these curious and endearing relics, asserting their timeless appeal and significance in the evolving tapestry of American identity.
Exploring America's Eccentric Roadside Marvels: A Conversation with Rolando Pujol
In a fascinating exchange, Dylan Thuras recently sat down with Rolando Pujol, a celebrated executive producer at ABC News and the passionate author behind 'The Great American Retro Road Trip.' Their discussion illuminated Pujol's profound connection to and extensive documentation of America's whimsical roadside attractions, a journey he passionately chronicles through his Substack and Instagram, 'The Retrologist.'
Pujol's fascination commenced in the summer of 1977, at the tender age of four, during a family road trip from New York to Miami Beach. It was then that he first encountered the peculiar allure of South of the Border, a sprawling roadside attraction on Interstate 95 between North and South Carolina, famously heralded by hundreds of pun-filled billboards and culminating in the sight of a towering 200-foot sombrero. This initial encounter ignited a lifelong passion for what he terms "roadside Americana" – a mosaic of chrome diners, towering Paul Bunyan statues, and mid-century motels adorned with vibrant neon signs. Pujol's new book serves as a comprehensive chronicle of these extraordinary places, portraying them as vital threads in the fabric of American history and aesthetics.
The conversation delved into the intriguing concept of "mimetic architecture," buildings ingeniously designed to resemble the products or services they offer. Notable examples discussed included Randy's Donuts in Los Angeles, an iconic establishment shaped like a colossal donut, strategically located near the airport; and the now-transformed Bondurant's Pharmacy in Kentucky, originally a giant mortar and pestle that has creatively adapted its unique form through various business iterations. A poignant case was the enormous Longaberger Basket Building in Newark, Ohio, a former corporate headquarters meticulously crafted to resemble a giant basket, now standing abandoned, a testament to the challenges of such specialized structures. Pujol expressed a shared hope for its revitalization, perhaps into something equally imaginative.
Beyond architecture, Pujol's extensive research encompasses the evolution of fast-food chains like McDonald's and Pizza Hut, noting how their architectural styles reflect different periods of American culture. He highlighted Pizza Hut's recent "Classics" initiative, retro-renovating older locations to evoke their 1970s charm, complete with vintage logos and signature red-roof designs. These efforts, meticulously tracked by Pujol on his Substack, demonstrate a burgeoning appreciation for nostalgic design.
Another significant focus of their discussion was the iconic "Muffler Men," towering fiberglass figures that emerged in the 1960s, initially for auto shops but quickly becoming ubiquitous roadside mascots. Pujol shared personal anecdotes of encountering these giants, fostering a deep attachment to these quirky sculptures. He highlighted the ongoing renaissance in the appreciation of these figures, exemplified by the American Giants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois, which actively rescues and preserves these historical artifacts.
Pujol’s unwavering commitment to documenting and celebrating these often-ephemeral pieces of Americana stems from an insatiable curiosity about the built environment. He travels extensively, driven by a need to personally experience these sites, to uncover their stories, and to engage with the individuals who bring them to life.
Looking ahead, both Thuras and Pujol expressed optimism for a new era of roadside attractions. They posited that after a period dominated by minimalist design, a shift towards more maximalist, playful, and distinct aesthetics is on the horizon. Pujol cited contemporary examples such as Mary Beth Babcock's "Cosmic Curios" in Tulsa, Oklahoma, featuring a cowboy-astronaut Muffler Man; Topo, a burrito place in Gilbert, Arizona, with a gopher mascot; and the vibrant sign designs by Noble Signs in New York. This resurgence, they agreed, promises to inject renewed joy, wonder, and imaginative flair into the American roadside experience.
The passion and dedication shown by Rolando Pujol in his relentless pursuit of America's roadside attractions serve as a profound reminder of the stories and history embedded in our everyday landscapes. His work encourages us to look beyond the mundane, to appreciate the quirky and the unique, and to find wonder in the unexpected. In an increasingly homogenized world, the preservation and creation of these distinctive landmarks are not merely about nostalgia; they are about maintaining the vibrant, diverse, and often eccentric character of a nation. This endeavor reminds us that art and expression can be found in the most surprising places, enriching our journeys and connecting us to a shared cultural heritage.