The Retrologist by Rolando Pujol

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Retrologist's Roadside Roundup: Old-school Federal Express sign revealed; a beloved NYC sign gets TLC; architect sets record straight on LA…
Plus, NYC's war on rats is not easy on the eyes; saying farewell to old diners and welcome back to others; and many more stories from the American road.
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Rolando Pujol
6
Ski-resort McDonald's! Fireplace Burger King! A Maine McMansion! And more Retrologist fast-food road-trip finds
A few days in New England produced a cornucopia of discoveries -- here's my guide to them.
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Rolando Pujol
'Store Front NYC': James and Karla Murray's new book celebrates iconic New York City shops with pictures that capture a vanishing heritage
I first met James and Karla Murray in 2011, when, in the pages of amNewYork, I profiled a new edition of their now iconic book, “Store Front: The…
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Rolando Pujol
2
Retrologist's Roadside Pick: The Apple Dumplin, a dusty relic along an old spur of Route 66
The abandoned cowboy-themed restaurant made for a colorful stop on the way to the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona.
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Rolando Pujol
Inside the last surviving portion of the original World Trade Center, a passageway to a lost time
This corridor is where the original WTC meets the new one, where eras collide as much as architectural styles. It's the most uncommon of common spaces.
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Rolando Pujol
6
The Twin Towers: Their haunting legacy in New York City signs
These lingering images of the original WTC can be considered collectively as a quiet yet powerful citywide memorial.
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Rolando Pujol
4
Blue Light Blues: Inside one of America's last Kmarts as it prepares to close
After the New Jersey store is shuttered, there will only be two Kmarts left in the continental United States.
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Rolando Pujol
Gut punch: Amazing vintage McDonald's (as old as I am!) scrapped for renovation
This store opened the same weekend as I was born, and was teeming with nostalgic goodies. Join me for a look.
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Rolando Pujol
2
August 2023
SEE IT: Brooklyn McDonald's goes old school in throwback to 1982
The awesome activation is part of a promotion for season 2 of Loki on Disney+
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Rolando Pujol
6
It's National Radio Day! Here are 3 visually jolting transmitter buildings -- plus one ghost sign -- to celebrate the occasion
It’s National Radio Day, a fine day to share three of my favorite transmitter buildings I’ve had the pleasure to photograph. Here are my essays on each…
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Rolando Pujol
8
'Tombstone' for home of first Arby's, but it's not 'grave' news; forget Grimace, meet CosMc; Hills stores' tasty 'comeback;' Starlite dims…
PLUS: Enjoy almost two dozen more headlines from the great American roadside!
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Rolando Pujol
5
A must-see, easy-to-miss relic of Howard Johnson's (just watch your step); FDR country travel guide; good (and bad) neon buzz; Toys 'R' Us…
Plus, following footsteps of Lucille Ball; fried chicken showdown in Queens and more headlines from the road!
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Rolando Pujol
4
© 2023 Rolando Pujol
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