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California Signs (page 15)

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Macdoel:
Juniper Lodge Motel

El Molino
Mexican Imports
Madera, CA
The El Molino Mexican Imports sign advertised for another business originally. Does anyone know what was here previously? For more, see this website. [map]

More Madera:
former Vintage Buick [gone]
Valley Bowl

Mad River:
Mad River Liquor

Malibu Sport Fishing Pier
Malibu, CA
Hangar Inn
Manhattan Beach, CA
The Malibu Sport Fishing Pier sign is probably from the 1950s. For more, see this website. [map]

The Hangar Inn sign probably had neon originally. The bar also features a plane's tail projecting from the roof. This place is not far from Los Angeles International Airport. [map]

Best Western Motel
Manteca, CA
2014: 2017:
This former Best Western Motel crown sign is installed on top of the Cabana Lounge sign. This photo is from 2014. By 2016, the building was occupied by the Cabana Del Sol restaurant and the crown sign had been repainted blue and red. The remaining neon was removed. From the look and layout of the buildings at this site, I suspect that there was a Best Western Motel here originally. These sign-toppers were mass-produced and distributed nationwide by the chain. The building now houses Slides Restaurant. For more, see this website. [map]

Union 76 [gone]
Maricopa, CA
Bett's Gold Coin Sports Tavern
Mariposa, CA
Frost Shop
Drive-in [gone]
Mariposa, CA
This Union 76 sign was probably from the 1950s. The gas station it hung over was long closed when this photo was taken in 2012. The sign was gone by 2018.

The Bett's Gold Coin Sports Tavern sign originally advertised for the Gold Coin Club. This sign is from the 1950s or earlier. There was a smaller panel under the sign which read "Dining Room." The Gold Coin Club opened in the 1880s as the Gold Club Saloon. It closed in 1989. In 2011, the bar reopened as Bett's Gold Coin Sports Tavern. At that time, the sign was restored and adapted for the new business name. [map]

The Frost Shop Drive-in building was demolished in 2004. The sign was still there when this photo was taken in 2005. By 2011, the sign was gone. For more, see this website. [photo/info Daniel F.]

Muir Lodge
Martinez, CA
Jimmy Britt's
Martinez, CA
Cooper Bail Bonds
Martinez, CA
Florsheim Shoes [gone]
Martinez, CA
The Muir Lodge has been here since at least the 1960s. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

The Jimmy Britt's sign is part of a private collection. It was originally installed at Jimmy Britt's, a bar in Guerneville, CA. Jimmy Britt, a former boxer, opened the bar in 1947. The sign was there by 1956. The boxer's neon gloves were animated. For more, see this website. [map]

Cooper Bail Bonds was established in 1952. This sign could be from then with the "since 1952" painted on later. [map]

These Florsheim Shoes signs were mass-produced, with and without business names, for shoe stores. There is another sign like this in Decatur, IL and there was one in Aberdeen, SD. There was a thrift store in the space below this sign when this photo was taken in 2014. By 2015, the store was vacant but the sign was still there. By 2018, the sign was adapted for Troy Greek Cuisine. [map]

More Martinez:
L&L Shopping Center [gone]

Bossen Laundry & Linen Supply
Marysville, CA
Bob's Lock & Key Shop
Marysville, CA
Quick's Glass Service
Marysville, CA
The Bossen Laundry & Linen Supply sign had neon originally. Some of the text has been painted over as well. [map]

Bob's Lock & Key Shop opened in 1950. This sign is probably from then. For more, see this website. [map]

Quick's Glass Service opened in 1953. This sign is probably from the 1960s. [map]

Cortez Room
Marysville, CA
The Cortez Room signs are probably from the 1950s. For more, see this website. [map]

More Marysville:
Cottons Cowboy Corral: 1, 2 [map]
Mogheli's Furniture [map]

Primo Burgers
Maywood, CA
2012: 2017:
I believe Primo Burgers is or was a chain in the Los Angeles area. This plastic globe looks like it revolved originally. It bears a strong resemblance to the Earl Scheib globes. Around 2014, the sign was restored. The plastic panels were replaced. [map]

7-Eleven
Menlo Park, CA
This 7-Eleven sign is from the 1960s or early 1970s. There are several other examples in San Jose, CA. I have not seen signs with this design anywhere outside the Bay Area. [map]

Mendota:
Sonora Department Store [map]

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Museum of
Neon Art
Valley Relics Museum

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