The Modernaire Motel has served travelers along the Lincoln Highway (East Market Street/PA 462) since 1949. The unique mid-century stream-line modern architectural style is unique for York County and few examples exist across Pennsylvania. The 1950's neon sign is of a similar design and has stood in front as an advertising neon beacon for tourists for decades.
Now that a developer has proposed tearing down the motel, a community effort to restore and preserve the iconic neon sign is in motion. The PA Chapter of the Lincoln Highway Association is partnering with Preservation Pennsylvania to raise a total of $15,000 to complete the project and install this piece of our local history alongside the Lee's Diner neon sign at the York County History Center - Agricultural and Industrial Museum in York. To date, the community has together raised over $10,000. The donations through Give Local York will take us over the top.
The Lincoln Highway was established in 1913 as the first coast to coast improved road for automobiles from New York City to San Francisco. Across Pennsylvania, the Lincoln Highway follows a network of earlier toll roads between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Across York County, the original route follows PA 462 west from Wrightsville through York City and West York and then along US 30 west to the York County line at Abbottstown. The Lincoln Highway is one of the most historic transportation routes in the nation. Preserving these mid-century iconic symbols of our transportation history helps us remember the "great American road trip era" of our youth.