Vintage signs

I love all things vintage so it is no surprise that I LOVE to see shops around town that have been here since the 40's or 50's. It's even better if they have kept their original signage. It really makes me happy to see a vintage sign with the neon working. There are a few really wonderful ones that I see at least once a week and some more that are scattered around town. Sadly many have been recently replaced or the buildings torn down or remodeled. Today as I was out running errands I stopped to snap a couple photos of some of the ones along my route. These are my favorites. I might do another post with more later.
Yes that is a giant shovel and rake, about 30+ feel tall. This shop has the coolest building too, very 50's ranch style with huge windows and a low-pitch roof that lends to the long low feeling of of the building. Besides that it's painted a lovely shade of turquoise. When we finish the addition to our house and get to move to other projects I hope to buy some flagstone or something similar for my yard from them. It's silly but I love this business for being here a long time and having an awesome sign, and I haven't even shopped there yet.
Several years ago they took the totem sign and had it fully restored, I think it was very worth while. As I was snapping this photo I realized that I have never eaten there. I think that is really strange but it's probably because I used to be a vegetarian and didn't eat at many restaurants in general. Anyway I have added it to the list of places to try when I get a chance. I wonder what the inside of the restaurant looks like, I wish I could go there tonight just to find out, and of course it has nothing to do with my not wanting to cook dinner. :-)

This sign is one that I hope gets restored and not replaced, the other side is actually less weathered and nicer, but harder for me to get a decent photo of. I took my wedding dress here to have it cleaned. They did an AWESOME Job and only charged me half what everyone else would have charged. They ROCK!

So that is a little tour of some of the neat vintage signs in my town. Hope you enjoyed it and I hope you have some neat ones in your town too.

Save hancrafted toys and children's items

At first the new laws about testing for hazardous chemicals in and on children's toys and clothing sounds great! However as the laws are written they will eliminate many small businesses that already hold the highest standards for their products. The laws state that testing must be done by a 3rd party and the costs for testing can be around $4000. How can a sole proprietor who makes children's toys in their sewing room or shop deal with that? they will be instantly put out of business as will many of the other small businesses that make things for children in a responsible way. What will this leave us with???? Toys made in 3rd world countries, while I agree the laws will help, I still won't be completely comfortable with trusting large corporations that outsource their work. I also will be saddened by the loss of so many artists employment and the loss of variety in toys that we have because of those artists. Do we really want to be stuck with Mattel and other large corporations to direct our children's play? I know I don't!

Write your Senator and House Representatives, if we all speak up we will be heard. Save creative toys, save American and European Crafts-persons jobs. For more information click the icon at the top of the post. You can also check there for updates as the laws are ammended.