Rayco Upholstery claims that it opened here in 1942. However, the Rayco Auto Seat Cover Co.'s first shop in Paterson, NJ, was not operating until around 1947. So, either the 1942 date is wrong or there was another business name originally. These signs were installed in 1953. By 1968, there was 150 Rayco locations nationwide. By then, the stores were also selling and installing shock absorbers, mufflers, and other auto parts. The company was sold to other corporations at least a couple of times but there are still a few businesses around the country using the name. However, there are only a couple of Rayco signs still on public display. These in St. Petersburg are the nicest and most significant. However, in 2022, the rooftop sign was gone. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, and 3. [map]

The Sunken Gardens opened in 1911. In 1960, a new sign was produced by Manton Giles of Ace Neon. The 30-foot-tall sign combined neon flowers and backlit plastic letters. It was modified over the years with different flowers and other elements. In 2003, the sign was replaced using the original poles. The two text panels for "Sunken" and "Gardens" were combined into one panel and the chevron was less prominent. In 2023, the sign was demolished for a replica of the original which was created by Thomas Sign and Awning of Clearwater for $180,000. The botanical garden is located 15 feet below street level. Since 1999, it has been owned and managed by the city. This sign inspired at least two others, both gone, in Gatlinburg, TN and Fort Bragg, CA. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, 3, and 4. [map]

The El Cap Restaurant may have opened in 1948. This sign was installed in 1949. The sign was replaced with this replica in 2005. The photo above is from 2009. For more, see this website. [map]

This Ace Hardware sign originally advertised for a Kwik Chek grocery store. The round part must have held the Kwik Chek logo and it most likely revolved. I believe this sign was installed in 1963. For more, see this website. [map]

The China City Restaurant sign was installed in 1952 for Chick's Drive-in. It was altered for China City around 1960. The sign was animated. The neon text and arrow flashed at night. The restaurant closed and the sign was removed in 2016. The owners kept the sign. For more, see this website.

Badcock Furniture first opened in Mulberry, FL and now has over 300 locations in the Southeast. However, this location and sign are now gone. A similar sign existed in Fairmont, NC.