Keeping the Lights On: These Neon Lovers Won’t Let Save the Signs Go Dark
The Neon Patrol was a regular sight on Denver streets in 1938. Denver Historical Society
From Westword: “Neon is the fifth most abundant element in the universe,” says Todd Matuszewicz. That’s how the co-president of Save the Signs ends every tour he gives of Morry’s Neon, where he’s worked on and off since the 1990s, or at J.J. “Neon Dad” Bebout’s Subjective Coffee, which serves as the Save the Signs headquarters.
“It isn’t terrestrial; it does not exist on the earth; it comes from the heavens into our atmosphere, and we breathe it in and out every day,” he explains. “When we look at Hubble telescope images of star nebulae, we’re seeing cosmic neon lights. And, as Carl Sagan and Neil deGrasse Tyson remind us, we ourselves are made of star stuff.”
The founder of Save the Signs, Corky Scholl, is now star stuff. Sadly, he passed away last August at 48. But Matuszewicz and other true believers are keeping his passion alive.
The 38-Foot Milk Bottle that became an iconic Spokane Diner
From ABC10: Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle has been a Spokane landmark since 1935, when it first opened as a dairy retail outlet in the Garland District. Standing 38 feet tall, the milk bottle-shaped building was originally created for dairy merchant Paul E. Newman and once was one of three similar businesses in the city.
Today, the historic milk bottle diner is owned by Tom Ritchie, whose family purchased the Garland District icon in 1998. Known locally as the “milkshake man,” Ritchie continues the tradition by serving fresh huckleberry ice cream, classic milkshakes, and burgers made with all-beef patties and signature fresh-made buns.
Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle remains a symbol of Spokane’s past, drawing loyal customers who return week after week. The eye-catching architecture and enduring menu have helped preserve one of the city’s most recognizable historic landmarks.
Sunset signing off: Signature piece of iconic Lodi theater removed
The sign was removed from the old Sunset Theater on Monday morning in Lodi and little is left of Lodi landmark. Steve Mann/Special to the News-Sentinel
From the Lodi, CA News-Sentinel: One of the final pieces of the Sunset Theater was removed from its Lodi Avenue site Monday morning as crews removed the signature sign that towered above the building’s entrance.
Marty Thorpe, the demolition expert overseeing work on the theater said the sign weighs 14,000 pounds, requiring a crane to remove it from the top of the building.
Although City of Lodi staff told the Site Plan and Architectural Review Committee last month the sign would fall apart if moved, Thorpe said it remained intact as it was brought down to the ground.
Signs removed at historic Garden Oaks Theater
From KHOU: HOUSTON — The future of Houston’s historic Garden Oaks Theater is growing more uncertain.
Crews removed the building’s signage on Friday. The theater, which had been operating as a church, was sold last October to the Heights Investment Fund for about $7 million according to the Harris County property records.
The building does not have landmark status, meaning it could be demolished, something neighbors strongly oppose.
Progress being made on fixing Fremont Theater’s historic sign
From KSBY: Progress is being made after a portion of the Fremont Theater sign crumbled down onto Monterey Street due to the powerful storms.
Our community reporter Karson Wells brought you the story on Tuesday when it happened.
On Friday she reached back out to the owner Rob Rossi.
He told Karson they are removing the damaged portions then they will work on how to re-construct.
End of an era: Toronto’s beloved Patrician Grill prepares to close
Patrician Grill on King Street East will close May. 9, 2026, after 73 years in business. Emma Johnston-Wheeler/TorontoToday
From Toronto Today: Old school diners are a rarity in Toronto these days, and now another one is closing its doors after 73 years in business.
Patrician Grill on King Street East will stay open to the public until May 9, leaving its regular customers — of which there are many — with only a few more months to get their favourite food orders in.
Owner Terry Papas said the club sandwich is a local favourite, and some regular customers claim the bacon is the best in the neighbourhood.
The diner, which was built in 1953 and sold to the Papas family in 1967, has used the same slogan since its conception: “Nothing fancy.”
Sugar House Rotosphere Sign Restoration: Iconic Landmark to Glow Again
From USA Today: Salt Lake City, UT – A beloved landmark in Sugar House is receiving much-needed repairs, ensuring the iconic Rotosphere sign continues to spin and shine for years to approach. Work began Monday night on the vintage sign, located above Hopkins Brewing Co. At 1048 E. 2100 South.
The aquamarine metallic starburst sign, affectionately known as the Rotosphere or “Sputnik sign” by locals, has been a fixture in the Sugar House neighborhood since the early 1960s. Originally installed atop the Granite Furniture Store, the sign is one of approximately 234 such structures built nationwide during that era, and today remains one of the few still operational and on public display, according to RoadsideArchitecture.com.