"Retail Hanging Ad Signs and Neon Fronts"
"Retail Hanging Ad Signs and Neon Fronts"
There was once a time when large metal signs, often adorned with glowing neon and stylish metal letters, adorned the front of a considerable amount of businesses, large and small in the Baltimore area. These signs were usually mounted to hang perpendicular to the front of the building, so as to be visible from street and sidewalk for passing pedestrians and motorists. At the time, the signs were often thought to be gaudy and unattractive. In addition, the delicate neon fixtures were often a nightmare as they weathered poorly, thus leading to costly maintenance, not to mention the cost of modification should a business change name, owner, or type. As a result, hundreds, if not thousands of these intriguing signs came down starting in the 1960's, replaced most often by simplistic and boring backlit signs, usually consisting of a simple Flourescent light box with a colored translucent insert. Other surviving hanging signs were often blanked out, with their lettering replaced by crudely painted signs that generally looked flat and chintzy compared to the originals. Finally, some jurisdictions passed restrictions banning these types of signs, jeopardizing them even further.The eventual result: only a couple dozen signs remain in place today in an original type of condition. Even fewer of these have neon tubes that illuminate, making these survivors a rare breed indeed. Thankfully, many of those that do survive are well loved by their owners, and should hopefully point, and even light the way, for many years to come!
SURVIVORS:
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Perhaps the "King" of the remaining Hanging signs, is this one for the Franklintown Inn on Franklintown Road, looking well loved by its owner.
Another nicely cared for Neon Hang Sign rests on Frederick Road at Smith Lane in Catonsville.
Although "The Block" is full of Neon, the only truly throwback sign in the group is that for The 2 O'clock Club on the North end of the Street.
A classic example restored is this animated beauty that once lit the corner of Maryland and Mount Royal Avenues. The sign now rests in a display window of the Maryland Historical Society, giving a show to passersby on Park Avenue.
Another restored gem is this cool, colorful version that once graced the New China Inn. This sign also provides a vivid display in the window of the Maryland Historical Society.
NEW - Plain and simple is how many a hanging sign was in days gone by. Here, the Mount Royal Tavern carries on the tradition with a simple yet elegant look to it's hanging neon signage.
Among the most distinctive bits of hanging neon in the area is the landmark Belvedere Hotel sign located at Chase and Charles Streets.
Simple yet beautiful is this sign for the B-O Tavern (named after the railroad, not any odors we hope) located at Pratt and Carey Streets. Though only occasionally lit, this sign projects the qualties of the many smaller signs long since scrapped.
View of the B-O Tavern sign under daylight (and lit).
Though quite simplistic, this liqour store sign at Mayland Avenue and Biddle Street remains a highly visible beacon from blocks away.
Another Liquor Store Sign in very vintage condition is located on Eastern Avenue near Anglesea Street, between I-95 and the Harbor Tunnel Thruway.
Rounding out the Liquor Store selections is this one on Ritchie Highway just south of 11th Avenue. Nice curves, great lettering, and intact working neon tubing make it a classic!
Depite a disappointing modern appearance, this sign for the Ceasar's Den on Stiles Street does still have its throwback charms to it.
Though the simple Neon is gone, this Bakery on Gwynn Oak Avenue in Woodlawn not only carries a small hanging sign, but also a great front with antique letters and glass block windows above!
What compilation of Baltimore's Hanging Neon would be complete without the Tochterman Tackle Sign, located on Eastern Avenue West of Washington Street.
Proving that you can not always find your ghosts by driving are these two neat signs in Lexington Market, which have been there for many years!
This sign for Taylor's Furniture store in Ellicott City is an example of one that would not be allowed to be newly erected, thanks to newer Howard County regulations.
While not a neon sign, it is very likely that this sign for long closed Caplan's Department Store in Ellicott City illuminated from the inside to spill through the translucent letters on the sign faces. This sign may carry official landmark status.
Running close vertically to the building is the DRUGS neon sign on the front of the Woodlawn Pharmacy at Windsor Mill and Gwynn Oak, a great example of a nicely restored front.
Not really a hanging front as the rest of those in this group, but noteworthy and historical nonetheless is this hanging canopy on Washington Street above Orleans near Hopkins Hospital.
On Route 40 West, visibilty is everything, and this neon front on the Cleaners on the Southwest corner of Route 40 and Ingleside Avenue is certainly a true attention grabber!
Not necessarily a hanging sign, but noteworthy as an example of a WORKING sign is this simple yet colorful sign for ABC Roofers resting on Hilton Street at Old Frederick
Not necessarily hanging, but in the spirit and flavor of it's hanging brethern is this lovely example beckoning motorists to the Park Lane Shopping Center on Reisterstown Road above Cold Spring Lane.
While most painted hanging signs are usually nothing very interesting or appealing, this one for ABC Radiator on Broadway does prove an exception, with its two Model T radiators on either side. One can only hope the fasteners are secure!
While it survives for now, the Real Estate Sign on the Dutch Mill Lounge could spell an uncertain future for this beauty, located on Harford Road just below Northern Parkway.
Cartoon Artwork makes the Speedy Valet sign on Greenmount Avenue at 20th Street a true gem!
Though the tubes are gone, the Harry Little sign on 25th Street East of Greenmount Avenue remains colorful, thanks to it's background.
An interesting, yet tragic example of signs no longer in use is this neat attention getter designed to point out the viewer's attention to a Dance Hall. This sign sits just above the ABC Roofers sign on Hilton Street.
All too often, the survivors are relegated to unspectacular lives after their neon days are over, such as this simple BAR sign at Monument and Kresson Streets.
WE KNOW THERE ARE OTHERS! TELL US WHERE!
