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Isaack
I had dinner in this place last month. The server was surly and the food was (at best) marginal. But neither of those things mattered because of this wonderful sign. And the fact that even though it was dark outside and sign was not lighted made it even more perfect.
Junction, Texas
photographed 1.27.2022
A bit of a discrepancy
I was in town to attend the American Planning Association’s National Planning Conference. One of the activities was a walking tour of the Tenderloin, where we were accompanied by a neon sign expert and an expert in typography; it was the best conference activity I’ve ever participated in.
This sign was a treat to see – there are a couple of interesting things going on with it. To start with, the name of the store is “Jack’s” according to the metal sign, and “Mack’s” if you want to believe the neon. Similarly, the “tailor” on the metal part is changed to “pressing” in neon. But at least “cleaners” is consistent.
And if that’s not enough – although it surely could be! – check out the plastic sign above the neon one. It’s got a lot going on, too.
My thanks to Al Barna and Dr. Shelley Gruendler for being so smart and funny; I look at urbanscapes in a whole new way, thanks to them!
Post Street
San Francisco, California
photographed 4.14.2019
The neon maiden
What my well-traveled friend failed to tell me about The Range Café was that their logo was not going to be what I expected. I thought – and you did, too, I’ll bet – that “range” referred to the open range, to ranching, to cattle country, or whatever.
So it was a little bit of a giggle when I realized the the “range” was an old-timey kitchen range.
This vintage neon maiden – who is quite bendy – was a bit of a giggle as well.
The Range Café
Albuquerque, New Mexico
photographed 2.13.2018
February 19
Well, this is sad.
In 2009, one of my friends and I took a trip to Las Vegas to photograph wedding chapels along the Strip. We did that, but we also shot plenty of photos of motels in the same area. And I suppose it’s a good thing we went when we did: many of the places we photographed have been since torn down, in the name – of course! – of progress.
The Yucca Motel is one of them. It was demolished in mid-2010. The sign was salvaged and now resides at the Las Vegas Neon Museum. As a matter of fact, the homepage of the museum’s website has a picture of this very same sign. I like my shot better. A lot better.
Las Vegas, Nevada
photographed 5.29.2009
One Day | One Image 