The Allure of Sad Vintage Neon Signs and Efforts to Save Them

The Allure of Sad Neon Signs

Neon signs invoke nostalgia. Their glowing tubes of colored light transport us back to the 1950s and 1960s when they lit up streets and storefronts everywhere. Yet often, the neon signs that catch our eye and linger in our memories are not the bright and flashy ones. Rather, it is the old, faded signs with half their letters burnt out that seem to have the most character and visual interest.

There is an undeniable allure to these sad, neglected neon signs. As other businesses modernize and replace their signs with newer technology like LED lighting, the remaining vintage neon stands out all the more. The flickering, buzzing tubes of light feel like a relic of the past. For many, these last surviving neon signs represent a bygone era of classic Americana.

The Sense of Nostalgia

Old neon signs trigger a sense of nostalgia not just because of their retro look, but because of the businesses they represent. Neon signs were once a fixture of diners, motels, bars, movie theaters and other establishments that formed the backdrop of life in the mid 20th century. Encountering one of these signs still hanging above a business evokes memories of these cultural touchstones before so many were lost to changing times.

For older generations, seeing an old neon sign can feel like stepping back in time. It awakens memories of being young, of nights out on the town, road trips passed through small towns off the new interstate highway system. The signs remind us of classic American businesses like diners, drive-ins, bowling alleys, motels and movie theaters that once defined our culture.

The Patina of Age

When a sign ages, the exposed metals and glass tubes weather over time. This creates a patina that lends the sign a whole new dimension of visual interest. Neon tubes may crack or break, causing some letters to go dark. Paint peels and chips away, adding to the rustic vibe. Signed exposed to the outdoor elements develop a lovely layered texture.

This patina of age, like scars that tell a story, only adds to the neon sign’s mystique. The passage of time is evident in the breakdown of materials. Photographers in particular are drawn to the gorgeous play of light and color over the rusty metal frameworks. The signs take on an artistic beauty that mass produced modern signs cannot replicate.

Urban Archaeology

As neon signs fall into disrepair and are taken down, a new hobby has emerged - urban archaeology. Exploring old storefronts, abandoned properties and salvage yards to uncover forgotten neon signs has become popular. Documenting these lost pieces of history before they are gone forever has become almost an obsession for some.

Finding an old neon sign and researching its origins provides a glimpse into the changing landscape of America. Like digging into the layers of an archaeological site, the remaining neon signs uncover the past embedded beneath the present. Layers of culture and communities live on through these relics.

The Effort to Save Vintage Signs

As appreciation for neon signs has grown, so too have efforts to preserve and restore them. Several organizations have emerged dedicated to protecting and showcasing vintage neon signs.

Neon Museum

One prominent effort is the Neon Museum in Las Vegas, Nevada. This nonprofit organization collects and exhibits iconic neon signs from old casinos and businesses in Las Vegas. Their large campus includes a park space where many restored and unrestored signs are displayed together like an outdoor art exhibit.

By collecting these retired signs, the museum preserves the cultural heritage of one of America’s most iconic cities. The museum also offers tours sharing stories about Las Vegas history illuminated through its neon signs. This project demonstrates the possibility of giving new life to old neon signs.

American Sign Museum

Another museum preserving neon history is the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio. This museum celebrates the art of sign making across all eras and technologies. From classic neon to lit letter signs to early mechanical signs, the museum’s extensive collection showcases a wide range of sign history and design.

Through exhibitions and publications, the American Sign Museum educates people on the cultural importance of signs. The museum also restores and displays vintage signs as examples of the style, design and craftsmanship of past eras. This helps give deteriorating signs a second life.

Neon Sign Grants

On a smaller scale, some organizations provide grants to help small businesses restore their vintage neon signs. One example is the Los Angeles Neon Sign Grant Program, funded by the Getty Foundation. Selected businesses can receive funding to refurbish their old neon signs so these cultural assets can remain active.

Other cities and downtown associations offer similar grant programs to support neon sign restoration. This encourages businesses to view their signs not just as an expense but as an asset worth preserving. Even modest grants make a difference in giving old signs extended life.

Finding New Homes for Neon Signs

Beyond museums, neon signs also find new homes and purposes in private businesses like restaurants, bars and stores. Vintage signs lend an authentic retro vibe that contrasts with sleek, modern décor. A neon sign on the wall is sure to get attention.

Creative business owners also reinvent old neon signs. Turning a sign from an old motel into the sign for a new boutique hotel keeps a piece of local history alive. Others transform old signs into new chandeliers, light fixtures or art pieces. Breathing new life into neon signs means future generations can continue enjoying their warm glow.

An Enduring Craft

While technology has displaced neon for many uses, it remains beloved by enthusiasts. A number of small companies specialize in making new neon signs by hand using traditional glass bending methods from the early 20th century. Their work proves that neon artwork is an enduring craft.

Custom neon light makers thrive on Etsy and other sites. Handmade neon signs for homes, businesses, events and gifts allow the medium to evolve beyond its retro roots. Neon’s rich, saturated hues lend an eye-catching element that modern LED lighting struggles to reproduce.

A Nostalgic Glow

Whether preserved, restored, repurposed or handmade, neon signs maintain their nostalgic appeal. Their warm, colorful glow uniquely represents a bygone era. But they also continue lighting the way forward by sparking memories, inspiring photographers and delighting viewers.

So next time you see an old sad neon sign buzzing and blinking above a forgotten business, take a moment to appreciate its fading beauty. It represents another era, slowly dimming, waiting to be rediscovered and treasured once more.

FAQs

Why do old, sad looking neon signs appeal to people?

The faded glow and weathered look of old neon signs are nostalgic. They remind people of classic diners, theaters, motels and other businesses that were cultural touchstones in decades past. Their imperfections also add artistic beauty.

What causes the worn, rusty look of vintage neon signs?

Exposure to outdoor elements causes neon sign materials like metal, paint and glass to deteriorate over time. This natural weathering adds a lovely patina that makes the signs more visually interesting.

Where can you see collections of old neon signs on public display?

The Neon Museum in Las Vegas and American Sign Museum in Cincinnati both showcase restored vintage neon signs in museum exhibits. These exhibits aim to preserve neon history.

How can small businesses preserve their old neon signs?

Some nonprofit organizations and local governments offer grants to help small businesses restore their vintage neon signs instead of replacing them. Even small grants make preservation possible.

Are traditional neon signs still made today?

Yes, an enduring community of neon sign makers keeps the craft alive. Custom neon light makers use glass bending techniques from the early 1900s to create new neon art, signs, decor and gifts.