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 ...

The rise, fall, and return of neon Neon signs were symbols of luxury and class in America during its heyday in the 1920s, said Corrie Siegel, executive director of the Museum of Neon Art in Glendale.

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.