World’s oldest neon McDonald’s sign damaged in Calif. construction snafu
The sign in Downey, Calif., designed by Stanley Clark Meston in the 1950s, appears to have been cut off at the bottom. Richard Schave and Kim Cooper/Esotouric Tours
From SFGate: Late last week, the preservationist and author Chris Nichols had stopped by the McDonald’s in Downey when he noticed something strange. The loping original neon sign outside the Googie-esque restaurant — the oldest continually operating McDonald’s in the world — looked as though someone had taken a hacksaw to the golden arch’s feet. The sign’s legs appeared to have been cut open and stuffed with rebar and bricks, with concrete poured into the bottom.
“They amputated them,” local preservationist Damian Sullivan said. “Literally amputated the legs of the Golden Arches.”
Loew’s Theater Marquee Removal Sparks Questions Amid Restoration Progress in Jersey City
An image of the marquee being torn down. Courtesy of the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy
From Jersey Digs: A Jersey City preservation group has stirred up a frenzy of criticism over the handling of the city’s ongoing restoration of the Loew’s Theater. Chris Perez, president of the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy, posted pictures of the historic theater’s iconic marquee being “jaggedly torn down,” arguing that it should have been preserved.
“We understand that a replica of the original marquee design will be put in its place,” the social media post reads. “But the blatant destruction of the current marquee, what has historically been the face of the Loew’s and Journal Square for 75 years, was not necessary.”
The destruction, preservationists say, includes the red neon letters that read “Loew’s Jersey.”
Maspeth RV fire destroys iconic GoodFellas Diner, reignites debate over illegal street dwellings
Flames engulf the GoodFellas Diner in Maspeth after a fire spread from a nearby RV. Photo via Maria Sliwa
From QNS: A major fire in Maspeth, Queens, over the weekend has renewed concerns about illegally parked RVs and weak city enforcement after flames from a street-side camper spread to the iconic GoodFellas Diner, causing extensive damage to a neighborhood landmark.
The blaze, which started around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, originated from a parked RV and quickly spread to the old diner at 56-26 Maspeth Ave. Sixty firefighters responded to the scene, and two civilians were evaluated but declined medical treatment. The fire marked the second time in seven years that GoodFellas Diner has suffered a major blaze.
Neon sign in Carytown experiencing more technical issues
One side of the sign is missing the lighting of “TOWN” in “CARYTOWN.”
From WRIC: RICHMOND, Va. — The neon, Art Deco style light-up “CARYTOWN” sign welcoming people as they drive down Cary Street is experiencing a partial blackout again.
The eastern-facing side of the sign is illuminating only the “CARY” while the “TOWN” is experiencing technical difficulties.
Major update to the legal definition of neon
Sir Chris Bryant, minister of state for Culture, Media, and Sport, said that “clearer definitions and protections” could be given to the craft of neon
From Signlink: The protection of neon signage has been debated in the UK House of Commons, with politicians calling on the craft to be legally protected.
The House of Commons debate was the culmination of an advocacy campaign by Catherine and Tony Spink, neon craftspeople and founders of Neon Creations. The campaign was launched by Catherine Spink in 2023 to put an end to what they say is the false advertising of LED signs listed as ‘neon’.
Last week (May 6th), MP Yasmin Qureshi addressed the House of Commons on the issue of protecting the heritage craft of neon sign making in the UK.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Qureshi said: “I recently visited Tony and Catherine at their studio and was transported to a magical world of amazing colours, seeing the stunning artwork they produced and being given demonstrations of how to bend the glass to create their signs.
A sign of history: Hazleton students work on restoring Blue Comet Diner sign
Shawn Yachera, collision repair technology instructor, oversees students working on repairs to the Blue Comet Diner sign. Sarah Hofius Hall / WVIA News
From WVIA: A bright neon sign with chasing lights once welcomed hungry guests for turkey club specials and late night burgers.
Students at the Hazleton Area Career Center created sparks on Monday as they used welders and grinders to repair the sign from a bygone era.
The Blue Comet Diner, located at South Church and West Chestnut streets in Hazleton, PA, closed in 2011. Students from the career center began restoring the sign this spring. When finished, the sign will be on display at the Greater Hazleton Historical Society and Museum.
Mesa gives historic neon signs a new life
The Bill Johnson’s Big Apple sign is one of six on display in the Neon Garden. Photo: Courtesy of City of Mesa
From Axios Phoenix: Neon signs from downtown Mesa’s past are getting a new lease on life.
Why it matters: Historic preservation advocates have spent more than a decade saving iconic Main Street signs from the wrecking ball. Now, they’ll be showcased.
State of play: The city of Mesa and Mesa Preservation Foundation opened its Neon Garden last week behind The Post building downtown.