Al Mac's Diner in Fall River has replaced its original neon sign with a new LED version. The old sign had been knocked over after a storm, and replacing it wasn't an option.

Whether a steaming mug, the diner's name, or a big neon "EAT," these signs were visual magnets for highway travelers. Underneath that neon glow, diners became icons of round-the-clock hospitality.

These signs reflected an era of American optimism, easy mobility, and cheap eats. But by the '60s, neon diner signs began to fade. Read more: 15 Failed Restaurant Chains We Actually Miss ...