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Photographs April 1, 2007
 
 

Last of the Lamplighters
Who among us could have ever imagined that a day would arrive with no more Lamplighters, spire or beacon cupolas, much less Orange Roofs...it's almost here.

Now nearing the end of their life spans just Harrisburg and Darien maintain the Howard Johnson's iconography of Lamplighter weathervane topped cupolas. Both Motor Lodges are owned by the Darien Hospitality Group based in Connecticut, and the location at Darien is threatened.

 
 
Please note that unconfirmed reports indicate that El Paso retains its Lamplighter and cupola. Nonetheless that leaves just three remaining Lamplighters at Howard Johnson's.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Brochure circa 1970s: Courtesy of Dan Donahue
 
 
 
 

Harrisburg's Restaurant was long lived like the Motor Lodge, but succumbed to "regress" (that's the opposite of progress) during the later 1990s--it lasted a remarkable 30+ years serving up the "Flavor of America."

Although the Nims-type building became well disguised, its form could still be viewed from the rear. As Doc Holiday's, the former HoJo's perhaps has not much time remaining since new nearby development with a host of chain restaurants will siphon away its dwindling business.
 
 
Left: Still in its HoJo's heyday, lucky children were able to enjoy HoJo's treats while their parents drank coffee. Note the juxtaposition of circa 1960s decorative screen with the 1970s style "stained glass" light fixtures over the counter area.
 
 
Photographs 2003: Courtesy of Mark Ihrie
 
 
 
 
Photograph June 2005: Courtesy of Brian Florence
 
 
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