The stylized arrow, likely from the late 1950s or '60s, is now a classic. It almost rivals another classic--the Spanish-style building on which it seems to rest.

Back when it was new, this part of the arrow had 56 bulbs per side. Outside the picture frame is another part of the arrow with 12 bulbs per side. That's 136 in all that probably lit up in sequence, or flashed...and certainly burned out.

The entire structure, even the red pole, works to "sell" the motel, cutting through the visual clutter of competing signs. And in the process creatting some bigger and brighter visual clutter of its own.