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California Signs (page 24)

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California
Homes Direct
Salida, CA
Republic Cafe
Salinas, CA
Cal's Central Liquors
Salinas, CA
Frank's Fish Market & Restaurant [gone]
Salinas, CA
The California Homes Direct sign originally advertised for Bonanza Homes, a nationwide chain of mobile home dealers. The sign panel was replaced with a larger one. It looked more like this one in Ontario, CA. These signs are from the late 1960s or early 1970s. The upper torso with the sign panel originally revolved. [map]

The Republic Cafe opened in 1942 and this sign is probably from then. Although the restaurant is long gone, this sign remains. It was restored in 2009. However, I don't believe it is lit anymore. This photo is from 2013. For more, see this website. [map]

The Cal's Central Liquors sign appears to be from the 1950s or earlier. [map]

I believe Frank's Fish Market & Restaurant opened in 1992. This sign probably revolved originally. Frank's closed in 2017. By 2018, the building and sign were gone.

Rex Motel
Salinas, CA
El Llano Motel
Salinas, CA
El Sombrero Motel
Salinas, CA
The Rex Motel sign is probably from the 1960s. There were other signs there in the 1950s. By 2023, the neon "Motel" letters had been replaced with backlit plastic letters. [map]

The El Llano Motel sign is probably from the 1950s. The motel is older than that and there was a different sign here originally. [map]

The El Sombrero Motel signs are most likely from the 1950s. [map]

Wagon Wheel Motel
Salinas, CA
2008: 2013:
The Wagon Wheel Motel was built in 1952. This sign appears to be from then. The neon was removed around 2011. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

Pub's Prime Rib
Salinas, CA
Traveler's Hotel
Salinas, CA
Shell station
Salinas, CA
The Pub's Prime Rib restaurant is now known as the Grower's Pub. This sign is probably from the 1950s. It was painted black and white around 2020. For more, see this website. [map]

I believe the Traveler's Hotel was built in 1930. This sign might be from then. [map]

This Shell station sign is probably from the 1960s or 1970s. [map]

These single-letter Shell signs are extremely rare now. The only other ones that I know of are in Idaho Springs, CO (now Exxon) and Catonsville, MD.

More Salinas:
John Cerney signs
Valley Center Bowl
Valley Center Park Row

Patio Drive-in
San Andreas, CA
The Patio Drive-in sign appears to be from the 1950s or 1960s. [map]

San Bernardino Motel
San Bernardino, CA
Center Chevrolet [gone]
San Bernardino, CA
Clover Club [gone]
San Bernardino, CA
Jug & Jigger Liquor
San Bernardino, CA
The San Bernardino Motel sign is probably from the 1950s or 1960s. By 2022, the neon letters had been replaced with backlit plastic letters. [map]

This photo of the Center Chevrolet sign is from 2008. Around 2009, the sign was adapted by Arrowhead Motors. By 2013, all that was left was a huge vacant lot. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2.

The Clover Club sign looked like it was previously painted light blue. Some of the paint still shows through behind the neon. This photo was taken in 2008. By 2013, the club had closed and the sign was gone.

The Jug & Jigger Liquor sign is probably from the 1960s or 1970s. [map]

Sharene Motel [gone]
San Bernardino, CA
R&S Plaza
San Bernardino, CA
Roy Johnson Autos
San Bernardino, CA
The Sharene Motel sign was probably built in the 1950s or 1960s. The first photo was taken in 2008. Sometime after 2010, the sign had been repainted and the motel renamed the Dream Inn. The second photo is from 2013. By 2019, the neon was gone and all of the letters were backlit plastic. [map]

The R&S Plaza appears to be from the 1950s or 1960s. [map]

The Roy Johnson Autos used car dealership was established in 1953. There is a different used car business there now. This sign is probably from the 1960s. A spinner sign is installed on top. These were mass-produced but are very rare now. They feature counter-revolving arms but only a few are still operating. For more, see this website. [map]

Dib's Safe &
Lock Service
San Bernardino, CA
Lido Motel
San Bernardino, CA
Queen's Restaurant
San Bernardino, CA
Dib's Safe & Lock Service was established in 1926. This sign is probably from the 1950s or earlier. [map]

The Lido Motel was built as Andy's Motel. I don't know when the name was changed but this sign appears to be from the 1950s or 1960s. [map]

The Queen's Restaurant opened in 1956 and the pole sign is probably from then. The signs on the building appear to be from the 1960s. The restaurant has been vacant for many years. [map]

More San Bernardino:
City Glass Co. [gone]
Del Rosa Lanes [gone]
Gourmet Dinner House
Oasis Motel [map]

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Museum of
Neon Art
Valley Relics Museum

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