The Oakden Motel Sign

The Oakden Motel, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, at 5104 Wilkinson Boulevard, was previously called Oakden Motor Court. Built in 1952, the motel has been in continuous operation for over 70 years and is a prime example of mid-20th-century roadside signage and architecture. A commercial and architectural landmark that reflects the priorities and values of post-World War II America, the Oakden Motel will be added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The Oakden Motel sign embodies the ethos of the mid-century modern aesthetic: large, bold signs to lure travellers. Signage at this time was more than just a method of advertisement but also a cultural symbol. After World War II, signs stood for hope and calls for change. They were symbols of a country ready to rebuild, grow, and embrace new technologies. So, these new, modern sign clients were no longer just functional signs; they became a symbolic hope of a better future. This transition towards consumer culture and modernization can be seen in the designs of these signs. Fonts for 1950s motels were fat, bold, and sans-serif, easy to read from a distance. The emphasis was on efficiency and legibility for drivers passing by. The neon sign, consisting of red, blue, and yellow, gave the sign a bold and lively look, making it readable during the day or night. The neon light highlighted the sign at night, beckoning weary travellers in need of lodging. The sign is still present today at the same location on Wilkinson Boulevard.