Category Archives: Neon
Does the Vess Bottle Belong in the Bottle District?
by Michael R. Allen Now that the “Bottle District” — that mass of spread gravel north of our football stadium — is poised to become part of the Northside Regeneration project, perhaps it is time to evaluate the fate of … Continue reading
Posted in Columbus Square, Downtown, Neon, Northside Regeneration
2 Comments
Traces of Route 66 on Chain of Rocks Road
by Michael R. Allen One of the St. Louis sections of the historic Route 66 is the two-lane Chain of Rocks Road in Madison County, Illinois. Between Highway 157 at the west and Highway 203 at the east, passing through … Continue reading
Posted in Metro East, Mid-Century Modern, Neon, Theaters
1 Comment
Bert’s Chuck Wagon Sign Moving
by Michael R. Allen An article in today’s Madison County Journal reports that Bert’s Chuck Wagon restaurant has removed its landmark sign and will be reinstalling it inside the restaurant’s new home. In a turn of rather thoughtless planning, the … Continue reading
Posted in Collinsville, Illinois, Mid-Century Modern, Neon, Signs
1 Comment
Neon Signs at Antique Warehouse
by Michael R. Allen On Sunday, February 21, the Antique Warehouse hosted a fundraiser for the St. Louis Sign Museum. Guests were able to see the amazing private collection at the Antique Warehouse, which includes numerous neon signs, banners, signs, … Continue reading
Posted in Neon, Signs, St. Louis County
Leave a comment
That Donut Drive-In Sign
by Michael R. Allen The animated neon sign at the Donut Drive-In, 6525 Chippewa Avenue in Lindenwood Park, returned to life on November 1, 2008. Donut Drive-In first opened in 1952 on what was then Route 66, the nation’s “Mother … Continue reading
Posted in Mid-Century Modern, Neon, Public Policy, South St. Louis
Leave a comment
Harter’s Hobby House Sign Removed
by Michael R. Allen For decades, Harter’s Hobby House at 1001 West Main in Belleville beckoned hobbyists with its colorful sign, which resembled a blue pin-striped stick of dynamite with a starlight mint-like pinwheel fuse. The sign is no more, … Continue reading
Posted in Belleville, Illinois, Mid-Century Modern, Neon, Signs
Leave a comment
Storefront Addition: California Do-Nut Company
by Michael R. Allen Yes, the much-mourned California Do-Nut Co. at 2924 S. Jefferson in Benton Park sports a storefront addition. The 1909 Sanborn fire insurance map shows the two-story building as a black smith shop, and building permits suggest … Continue reading
Posted in Benton Park, Mid-Century Modern, Neon, Signs, South St. Louis, Storefront Addition
1 Comment
Serving St. Louis
by Michael R. Allen The neon sign atop the Railton Residence, originally the Robert E. Lee Hotel, at 18th and Pine streets in downtown St. Louis. The sign frame dates to 1932, when the owners of the Robert E. Lee … Continue reading
Posted in Downtown, Neon
Leave a comment
Good News From the Jacoby
Press Release from the Jacoby Arts Center in Alton, Illinois: The Madison County Arts Council, through a generous grant from the Gateway Foundation, will begin renovation of the historic neon sign that graces the front of their building — the … Continue reading
Posted in Alton, Illinois, Metro East, Neon
Leave a comment