 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
email: roadarch@outlook.com |
 |
| Chicago Signs (page 1) |
(hit "refresh" to get the most recent version of this page; click on photos for larger images)
| Grace's Furniture Chicago, IL |
Chicken Inn Chicago, IL |
S&T Provisions Chicago, IL |
Pticek & Sons Bakery Chicago, IL |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Grace's Furniture moved a few blocks away and left this sign behind. For more, see this website. [map]
The Chicken Inn sign appears to have been reworked. It was probably all neon originally. Does anyone know if this restaurant had another name before it became the Chicken Inn? [map] S&T Provisions opened in 1960 and this sign appears to be from then. For more, see this website. [map] The Pticek & Sons Bakery opened in 1943. This sign is probably from the 1950s. [map] |
| Ming's Enterprise Chicago, IL |
Wolfy's Chicago, IL |
Apache Motel Chicago, IL |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Ming's Enterprise is long gone but this sign remains behind. It was probably built in the 1950s. [map]
I think Wolfy's had the original fork-skewered hot dog sign and then Fluky's copied it. For more, see this website. Hot Dog Heaven in Orlando, FL copied this sign. [map] The Apache Motel opened in 1967 and is still in operation. The sign was rebuilt around 2011. The first photo above is from 2010; the second from 2012. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map] |
| Haderlein Real Estate Chicago, IL |
Cole's Appliance and Furniture Chicago, IL |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
Haderlein Real Estate, now John Haderlein & Son, was established in 1910. This sign is probably from the 1950s. [map]
Cole's Appliance and Furniture has been here since 1946. These signs are probably from the 1950s. For more, see this website. [map] |
| WGN Flag Co. Chicago, IL |
Hoe Toy Chop Suey Chicago, IL |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
The WGN Flag Co. was established in 1916. This sign is probably from the 1950s. [map]
The Hoe Toy Chop Suey signs are probably from the 1950s. There are two identical signs installed on the roof facing opposite directions. For more, see this website. [map] |
| Custom Cleaners Chicago, IL |
|
 |
 |
| The Custom Cleaners signs appear to be from the 1950s. The projecting sign's neon has been missing since at least the 1990s. [map] |
| Ebenezer Baptist Church Chicago, IL |
Candlelite Chicago Chicago, IL |
Huck Finn Donuts Chicago, IL |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
The Ebenezer Baptist Church has been at this location since 1921. This sign is probably from the 1950s or 1960s. [map]
Candlelite Chicago opened in 1954 and this sign is from then. For more, see this website. [map] Huck Finn Donuts was established by 1960. The original location had a neon text sign. There are two other locations in the Chicago area. This sign is probably from the late 1960s or 1970s. The plastic panel shown on the left above probably looked like the other panel originally. The smaller top panel above apparently revolved. For more, see this website. [map] |
| Gonnella Baking Co. Chicago, IL (now Schaumburg, IL) |
former Balzekas Used Cars Chicago, IL |
||
| 2012: | 2025: | 2010: | 2025: |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
The Gonnella Baking Co. was established in 1886. This sign appears to be from the 1950s. It was moved from another location to N. Carpenter St. in 1994 and restored in 2010. By 2015, the sign had been moved to the company's facility in Schaumburg. For more, see this website. [map]
Balzekas Motor Sales was established in 1919. The Balzekas Used Cars sign appears to be from the 1950s. Up until around 1990, there was a similar Chrysler and Plymouth sign at the company's new car lot. By 2011, most of this sign had been covered up and reworked for Wheels Chicago. In 2014, it was reworked again for Mitch Auto Sales. It now has panels for Gallery Auto Group. For more, see this website. [map] |
| Green Mill Jazz Club Chicago, IL |
|
 |
 |
| The Green Mill Jazz Club opened in 1907 as "Pop Morse's Roadhouse". By 1910, it became the "Green Mill Gardens" with dancing and live entertainment. This sign is probably from the 1950s. For more, see this website. [map] |
| Spinning J Bakery & Soda Fountain Chicago, IL |
|
 |
 |
| The Spinning J Bakery & Soda Fountain opened in 2015. The facade sign was installed then. The projecting sign was added in 2016. It came from a closed bakery in Cincinnati and was reworked in 2015. The top originally read "Dainty Maid" and the bottom read "Fine Pastries." The top of the other side of the sign now reads "Pie - Ice Cream." For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map] |
| The Clipper Chicago, IL |
Melrose Restaurant Chicago, IL |
 |
 |
|
The Clipper bar opened in 1937. It was renamed the California Clipper in 1999. The bar is located on California Ave. This sign is probably from the 1950s. For more, see this website. [map]
These neon signs at the Melrose Restaurant were installed by a previous restaurant. They are probably from the 1950s. They were covered up by an awning for many years. In 2011, the signs were discovered when the owner removed the old awning. They are visible now behind slanted canopies for Eggsperience. [map] |
| Hans' Delicatessen Meyer Chicago, IL |
||
| 2006: | 2010: | |
 |
 |
 |
| Hans' Delicatessen Meyer opened in the 1950s, specializing in German foods. The store closed in 2007. However, the sign was saved and is now displayed inside Gene's Sausage Shop which took over the space. |
|
Chicago page 2 |
Chicago page 3 |
Chicago page 4 |
Lost Chicago page 1 |
Lost Chicago page 2 |
| Illinois | Main Signs Page |
| RoadsideArchitecture.com |
Copyright. All photos at this website are copyrighted and may only be used with my consent. This includes posting them at Facebook, Pinterest, blogs, other websites, personal use, etc. Tips & Updates. If you have suggestions about places that I haven't covered, historical info, or updates about places/things that have been remodeled or removed, I'd love to hear from you: roadarch@outlook.com. |