Location is everything according to this fabulous sign at the Mecca Motel in Colorado Springs. The motel dates to 1930 when its traditional motor court design was popular with a growing group of tourists who had automobiles and leisure time,
The sign, though, is classic mid-century. My only regret is that I had to snap this picture from the car while snow swirled around us on a very gray morning. I would love to see it on a blue sky day.
But you get the gist. Ain’t she a beaut?
In case you’re in the market, you can still stay at the Mecca. Book your room or get more info here.
Trips to Colorado nearly always are rich in cool vintage signs. One morning we had a tasty breakfast at a little mom and pop restaurant called Mo’s Diner in Manitou Springs. That’s their sign pictured above.
From this spot, I was able to grab a snapshot of the LaFun Motel sign across the street. I thought for about two seconds that I might cross the street for a better view but it was snowing and slick and there were people waiting for me to get in the car.
Still, you get the gist.
And just down the street was the Ute Trading Post sign. It’s in pretty rough shape but it’s still a fantastic example of mid century creativity.
One spot, three signs, loads of charm. I liked it.
If you ever find yourself hankering for pancakes in Manitou Springs, Colorado, I have just the place for you. It’s called Uncle Sam’s Pancake House and they know a thing or two about serving up a hot breakfast on a cold day.
Those of you who have been around for a while should already know that I believe food tastes better when enjoyed in interesting places. The outside of Uncle Sam’s has loads of charm with an a-frame design. According to a note on their menu, the building dates to the early forties when it was first a drive-in called Michaelis. It became Uncle Sam’s sometime in the sixties.
Plus, there’s an absolutely fabulous sign.
It’s even cozy on the inside with patriotic decor.
And then there’s the food. I ordered a breakfast that came with eggs, potatoes, and THREE pancakes. This was reminiscent of my inaugural Waffle House experience when I naively believed the waffles wouldn’t be that big. After all, no one gives customers value these days. Right?
Holy Toledo. Look at this. Two big plates of food. Three giant pancakes.
Friends, I am almost permanently unimpressed with restaurant food these days but find the mom and pop shops are the best way to go. Uncle Sam’s supported this theory. These pancakes were fantastic. They have a great variety of flavors including seasonal specials but I went with good old blueberry and they were wonderful.
I’m telling you. Uncle Sam’s in Manitou Springs. Go find it!
It’s a landmark on Main Street in Frankenmuth, Michigan. In a town called Little Bavaria, this place is pure kitsch and lots of fun. Check out the sign!
They’ve been around for more than fifty years, selling all manner of cheeses from around the world – 270 cheeses to be exact. I guess that’s how they afford this fantastic sign with the mouse!
Who knew there were so many kinds of cheese out there? There are even specialty cheeses in chocolate, peanut butter and berry varieties. Have you ever eaten peanut butter cheese? I’m not that adventurous.
This third generation family owned business has been around since 1968. They also sell things that you might need to go with your cheese like sausages, crackers, wine and candies. It’s a one stop shop!
Happiness is spotting a quality vintage sign. It’s even better when it’s in good shape and a brand you know.
When Arby’s first opened in Boardman, Ohio, in 1964, the neon ten-gallon hat was a big part of their brand. The company used it as their logo until the mid-seventies and these signs have steadily disappeared from the American streetscape ever since.
I read once that there are about a hundred of them left and I’ve seen a few including one in a town along Route 23 in Kentucky. That was several years ago but I do hope it still exists.
These old signs are costly to maintain and many are grandfathered in to local codes. In other words, many cities won’t allow signs this big or flashy to be installed but they allow existing signs to stay.
I also suspect that the chain makes franchise owners pitch the signs if they demolish and rebuild. The neon mid-century style doesn’t fit well with the new Arby’s brand and the boxy buildings that seem to make up the modern fast food world.
Personally, I’m a fan of character and of things that stand out to let you know where you are. You can spot the trademark red roof and wood siding of an old school Pizza Hut from a mile away. Yet the sleek, modern design reminds me of the box my toaster came in and they just melt into the background. These towns that demand everything be brick and that signs be white rectangles that fit in the same brick box used by everyone else are not my kind of towns.
Give me places like Muncie, Indiana where character and pizazz rule the street. These are the places that make me happy!
Here’s another vintage signthat still exists in Muncie!
