I’ve spent the last two years documenting the Mid-century Modern motels of the Wildwoods, a group of shore towns on a five-mile island in southern New Jersey. Built in the ’50s and ’60s and virtually unchanged, they form the largest concentration of postwar resort architecture in the US. As a native of the Jersey Shore, I’ve always been interested in the coast’s history and buildings, and when I happened upon the Wildwoods one winter, I felt like I’d travelled back in time. The motels represent the way American families used to vacation – with the rise of car culture and a new landscaped highway sparking a massive migration to the area. More than 300 motels were built, influenced by European Modernism and Miami Beach – though in the last 20 years, half have been knocked down. Come summer, they’re still packed with people, but for nine months of the year, they have no choice but to close. This is when I shoot – with all distractions stripped away, their characters can really shine through. Each motel is different, decorated to set itself apart and attract motorists, with bright colours, neon signs and the iconography of exotic, faraway destinations. I love that so many are able to continue on and thrive, as time capsules of summers past.
TYLER HAUGHEY is an American photographer. See more work at tylerhaughey.com and @tylerhaughey
As well as their bright, fun colour schemes, a lot of motels –such as the Gold Crest Resort Motel here – have amenities like pools and mini golf to attract families.
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June 2017
 
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