The forgotten designer behind Seattle’s most iconic neon signs
From MyNorthwest: Local collector, historian and author Brad Holden recently uncovered the history of a forgotten designer of iconic neon signs and wrote about it in a cover story for the Seattle Times Pacific Magazine. The lushly-illustrated story blew up on social media and got a big response from thousands of people.
Why does Brad Holden think people around here love neon signs so much?
“They’re just such a familiar sight in the urban landscape,” Holden said by phone earlier this week. “When you go out, you notice these signs right away, they grab your attention, especially the neon ones because they’re so bright. They’re so colorful and artistic and they’re iconic, too.”
Historic Sun-n-Sand motel declared Mississippi Landmark
The board also passed a resolution encouraging the State of Mississippi to determine if there are qualified real estate developers who would be willing to redevelop the property.
The board is also authorizing the demolition of the property on or after June 1, 2020, provided the historic Sun-n-Sand sign is retained in place.
The Department of Finance and Administrations expressed concerns that the building in its current state is a health and safety issue and that demolition would be in its best interest. They are hoping that a developer will renovate the property into a commercially viable project.
This Gigantic Coffee Pot In Washington Actually Has A Crazy Speakeasy Bar Inside
From Narcity: It’s common to see farms, flowers, and probably some upcoming constructions as you drive down a highway. But have you ever come across a ginormous 25-foot coffee pot just hanging out by the side of the road? Well, Puget Sounders can actually boast of such a roadside attraction in Washington. And there’s a bar inside!
Located in Tacoma, Bob’s Java Jive is an iconic coffee pot-shaped structure that has stood its ground for over 90 years.
It might have once served as a drive-thru diner, a speakeasy, and a restaurant even, but now, you’ll find a dive bar with live music and karaoke within its walls. You can see it for yourself from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m every day.
Preservation or progress? Link to Bonnie and Clyde makes West Dallas gas station a center of debate
From The Dallas Morning News: A few weeks ago, Brent Jackson bought a fairly nondescript structure at the tail-end of the development moving into and mowing down that stretch of the city.
He knew what the brownish building at 1221 Singleton Blvd. had been – a home and a service station long ago owned and operated by the father and family of the outlaw Clyde Barrow. Old photos of the building show Henry Barrow and his wife, Cumie, standing beneath Coca-Cola signs that advertise the “Star Service Sta.” A hand-painted sign shows gas selling for 10 cents a gallon.
Those accouterments were long ago stripped off the façade of the Singleton building. But the outline remains, including the family’s original house.