This lively street scene from downtown Bellingham captures a moment in the early 1970s, when neon signs, independent motels, and chrome-heavy automobiles still defined much of the American urban landscape. The view looks along State Street (or possibly Railroad Avenue), framed by a mix of older brick buildings, post-war storefronts, and updated signage reflecting the commercial optimism of the period.
On the left, a Travelodge sign with the chain’s classic sleepy bear mascot advertises lodging to passing motorists — a familiar sight along U.S. highways during the golden age of road travel. Nearby, the Royal Room and various restaurant and tavern signs hint at the nightlife and entertainment scene that once drew locals and visitors into the downtown core.
Across the intersection stands a tall Bank of the Pacific building, one of the more prominent landmarks visible here. Just below it, neon signage for cafés, bars, and small businesses lines the street. The large vertical NBC television sign suggests a local affiliate station or electronics store, adding to the period character.
The cars mark the date confidently: a white Volkswagen Beetle, a Ford Galaxie, a Chevrolet Impala, and various station wagons and vans — all typical of early-’70s streetscapes. The blue compact van on the right appears to be a Chevrolet or GMC Handi-Van, another era icon.
Traffic lights hang from overhead cables — common practice in smaller American cities at the time — while the faint railroad track in the foreground signals the city’s industrial heritage and the importance of the rail line running through downtown.
With its neon glow, everyday traffic, and mix of locally owned businesses, this image preserves a moment before malls, redevelopment, and chain retail reshaped downtown spaces across the country. It’s a classic slice of Pacific Northwest small-city life, frozen at the cusp of change.
