Modernaire Motel Neon Sign Restoration

05/30/2026

Any time will do.... but tomorrow, Sunday, May 31st is the deadline to register for any of the fantastic guided bus tours, delicious food and entertainment we're offering during the Lincoln Highway Association National Conference in York, PA the week of June 22-27, 2026. Some of the events are free and others have a fee. Check it out before time runs out to register. Join us for the entire conference or a single event. Celebrate our 250th along the Lincoln Highway.

https://lincoln250pa.org/

Explore York County PA

05/24/2026

Do you know the history of neon?

Here's a good summary.

https://artdecocollection.com/neon-signs-the-glass-that-lit-the-modern-age/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAR_sORjbGNrBH-wsGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHkQRhd1bi03HaW00iI-Hs3y4xbkaV-TQ-C4se9R2OS_389ksyIAeQmPTOSQv_aem_qBNvFietZQCK03N-QQec7A

05/24/2026

The Straw family shared some early pictures of the Modernaire Motel at the opening of the neon sign exhibits.

Deb Straw confirmed that the sign had to be moved twice away from the right of way. Both times to accommodate the widening of the Lincoln Highway at the intersection of PA 24 (Mount Zion Road).

Bob and Deb Straw gave up their AAA rating so that they could keep the neon sign. We could not have preserved this vintage sign without their willingness to move and maintain the sign over the years.

05/23/2026

Now that the neon sign project is complete, you can see them live and lit at the Agricultural and Industrial Center in York, PA with museum admission. Current hours of operation are Fridays and Saturdays from 10 AM until 4 PM. You may also want to check them out during the upcoming Friends of YCHC Book Sale on June 5 & 6, 2026. We're so thrilled that both the Modernaire Motel and Lee's Diner neon signs have found a new home. Thank you.

Visit us to discover hands-on exhibits examining 300+ years of transportation, farming and the development of manufacturing & industry in York County!

05/22/2026

The neon lights are on. Come see for yourself.

05/19/2026

As we prepare to celebrate the unveiling of the neon sign at the Agricultural and Industrial Museum in York, PA on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 3 PM until 5 PM, we want to take a moment to thank Preservation Pennsylvania for their partnership on helping us turn our dream of restoring this iconic neon sign that stood along the Lincoln Highway since the 1950's to it's original appearance.

Preservation Pennsylvania served as the fiscal administrator for the project and this permitted donations to be tax-deductible. A key ingredient to success. Community partnership made this project a success. Preservation Pennsylvania. Preserving the Past. Enriching the Future. 😎

05/18/2026

As we prepare to unveil the Modernaire Motel restored neon sign this Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Agricultural and Industrial Museum, we want to take a minute to thank the Powder Mill Foundation for their early grant to ensure the timely removal of the sign so that it wasn't lost to demolition. Many in the community followed their lead and preservation happens when people come together.

Thanks to organizations like the Powder Mill Foundation our history can be shared with future generations. Thank you.