The SCA welcomed more than 80 guests to its first international conference in the roadside mecca of Niagara Falls. Featuring tours of both the American and Canadian roadside, we explored all kinds of crazy SCA attractions, took a drenching ride under Horseshoe Falls, hosted a fascinating paper symposium, and enjoyed great food and great company. It was a barrel of fun! See Photos

By Douglas Towne: In the 1890s, Americans and Canadians had different development aspirations for their respective cities divided by the Niagara River. With its grander vistas of the three cascading waters, Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and American Falls, Canadians viewed it as a natural wonder and created a vacation destination. In contrast, Americans considered hydropower generation the most critical asset and focused more on harnessing these water sources to fuel industry.

By Peter Glaser: In the lead-up to 2025’s SCA conference in Niagara Falls, Canada (but with a day spent on the American side), this article explores the classic river attractions at the Falls and along the Niagara River. While some of these charms pre-date the automobile era, they prospered with its arrival and remain largely unchanged today.

By Edward Engel: In anticipation of us making our own memories at this June’s SCA Conference, presented here are a baker’s dozen of vintage Niagara Falls vacation photos from the SCA Journal series, “Lost Photos, Found Memories.”

By Richard J. S. Gutman: In this article, the leading authority on the history and architecture of diners, Richard Gutman, details and comments upon his research and several of the more than 1,000 items he has collected and which are now part of the The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan.

Signs, signs, everywhere there are signs. Like most hip and creative U.S. communities, Nashville, aka Music City, has an almost embarrassing treasure of colorful and imaginative signage of all ilk and sizes.

Here are some of the amusement or theme park photos I’ve collected over the last ten years. Unidentified locations may be smaller venues such as carnivals or fairs. For those unknown images, email edwardengel@yahoo.com with any clues to identification.

Hudson Valley resident Mary Anne Erickson combines her passion for color, beauty, design, and fine taste in documenting the demise of the American roadside culture of “Mom and Pop” establishments.

A common criticism of roadside buildings is that, from an architectural perspective, they’re not impressive creations. That statement, however, is not always valid. Bertrand “Bud” Goldberg is a fascinating example of a famed architect who initially displayed considerable design talents in small-scale commercial structures.