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the famous route 66 landmark in the middle of california's mojave desert. polaroid spectra pro instant camera + impossible project B&W film.
Ontario Ice Skating Arena
Ontario, California
As a Canadian, a skating arena is a familiar sight. It wasn't a sight I expected to see in southern California though lol
Oh, I know it must be popular in California, and Los Angeles does have an NHL team after all. It just seems, well, not very SoCal. Surfing, yes, Baseball, yes. Roller skating, yes. But ice skating? That's so......northern.
(I did appreciate that I saw it in "Ontario"!)
Their web site has a lovely night photo of this sign, and the following info on their history:
"The Ontario Ice Skating center is the second oldest ice facility in Southern California. Built by the Vanderberg family in 1957, the original "ICE BOWL" set the precedent for a brand new and innovative dimension of entertainment. Industrious Milo Vanderberg quickly recognized that the whole new industry was being launched. Milo invented equipment, which would revolutionize the ice skating industry forever. He introduced ice re-surfacing machine, a skate sharpener, electric broom, as well as other innovations. In 1983, the rink was purchased by a longtime friend and skating professional, Donald Bartelson.
The Ontario Ice Skating Center, a landmark of this community, has been operating continuously for the public's enjoyment for 53 years. Throughout the years, numerous champions from surrounding cities have earned prestigious recognition both in figure skating as well as hockey. They include: World Professional Champion, Robert Waggonhogger of Fontana, Los Angeles King's Draft Pick, Noach Clarke of La Verne, Anaheim Duck, Torrey Di Roberto of Upland and Edmenton Oilers Draft Pick Kyle Bigos of Upland.
The Ontario Hot Blades, our Recreational Figure Skating Team, has dominated as champions in the USA and in Asia. Ontario's youth hockey has created an untouchable legacy. Our reputation and experience in the world of ice sports speaks for itself."
the now demolished wagon wheel bowl, which stood alongside highway 101 for over 50 years.
mamiya 6MF 50mm f/4 + kodak portra 160NC. lab: the icon, los angeles, ca. scan: epson V750. exif tags: filmtagger.
Anaheim, CA
Back in April 2016 I shot several photographs of Anaheim's La Palma Chicken Pie Shop, which opened in 1956, not knowing at that time the fate of either the restaurant or the sign. About a week or so later, I posted one of those photos here on Flickr, along with the news I had just learned that the restaurant was closing. Thankfully, the Museum of Neon Art (MONA) in Glendale rescued the sign.
Here is one of the other photographs I took of this magnificent sign -- I now have three shots of this restaurant's signage posted here on Flickr (two shots of this fabulous neon sign and one shot of the signage on the side of the restaurant). I hope you'll have a look in my "2016" album here on Flickr to see all three photos of this long-gone restaurant.
On US 1 in Waldoboro, Maine
Everything was wonderful -- the sign, the service, our dinner, even the cookbook I bought.
the abandoned wells fine cars dealership on old highway 99 in selma, ca. shot with an iphone 5s, processed with various desktop apps.
mamiya 6MF 50mm f/4 + kodak portra 160. lab: the icon, los angeles, ca. scan: epson V750. exif tags: lenstagger.
Route/US 17
Warrenton, VA
This is where the locals went to get a good steak, for years. Decades. Sadly, it closed down several years ago.
Writes Todd Middleton in FauquierNow, back in 2013:
"What's missing in the Warrenton area is a talented, motivated, passionate chef and owner. Someone with a creative, fresh approve (sic) to the food service industry. Where it's missing is the location: 6806 James Madison Highway, Warrenton, Va.
Ben and Mary's Steakhouse in days past was not only a larger than life landmark, but the owners provided great food, even better service and consistency in their product. It's where everyone went to get a great steak and a good drink for a family night out.
That type of restaurant never goes out of style and will thrive even in poor economic times. I hope someone out there is reading and listening to this and accepts the challenge of opening a real restaurant in a great location. In the mean time, I'll fire up my backyard grill to cook my own steaks . . . and wait."
I'm not positive, but all these years later, I think the former Ben & Mary's is still sitting empty.
Wildwood, NJ
Since 1926, Laura's Fudge has been keeping Wildwood visitors sweet....sweet, like this charming rooftop sign. If only all the neon was working.
On Colorado Blvd (Route 66); Pasadena, CA
Being a fan of The Big Bang Theory, I was delighted to be able to walk to this train store -- Sheldon's favourite, maybe lol -- from our hotel during our stay in Pasadena in 2016. It's a fantastic sign and the neon train even lights up like it's moving! Definitely worth seeing in person for all neon lovers.
The sign is encased in plexiglass, no doubt as protection. I was charmed by the neon butterfly.
North Providence, Rhode Island
Cincinnati, OH
Wonderful old skyscraper-shaped sign -- a little rusty and crusty around the edges and missing neon, but overall I think it's fabulous.
Every year I check....always glad to see this old friend still standing. Will always be one of my favourite finds!
Savannah, GA
the landmark kentile floors sign in the brooklyn neighborhood of gowanus is no more. originally photographed in 2004, processed with various desktop apps 2014.
mamiya 6MF 50mm f/4 + kodak portra 160. lab: the icon, los angeles, ca. scan: epson V750. exif tags: lenstagger.
Richmond, VA
This animated bulb-only scaffold sign on the roof of the C.F. Sauer Company's headquarters is one of the most magnificent signs I've come across. I was mesmerized by this huge beauty, watching the chef pour his vanilla into the mixing bowl and stir it in. Amazing!
The sign is almost 100 years old, dating back to 1925.
Sherman Oaks, CA
Baxter Northup is the oldest continuously operating music store in California -- it was founded by Harry Baxter and Ray Northup about 115 years ago!
derelict water tanker in the fading town of ludlow along old route 66 / interstate 40 in the middle of california's mojave desert. polaroid spectra pro instant camera + impossible project B&W film.
Pembroke, GA
Until we came across this ghost sign, I had never heard of Obelisk flour.
I discovered two things online. First, this, from The Society of Architectural Historians: "The Ballard and Ballard Company was established in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1880 by Samuel and Charles T. Ballard. Their chief product was Obelisk Flour, which they advertised through painted signs that are still visible on the sides of old buildings from Georgia to Maine. The company ceased production under its own name when Pillsbury acquired it in 1951."
And, if you're into banjo music, there is an instrumental by Lewis, Scruggs, & Long titled "Obelisk Flour". Give a listen here: music.youtube.com/watch?v=_I325CIp0L0&list=RDAMVM_I32...
mamiya 6MF 50mm f/4 + kodak portra 160. lab: the icon, los angeles, ca. scan: epson V750. exif tags: lenstagger.
Columbus, OH
What a great old sign -- there's an old clock, neon script, chunky neon letters, plus bulbs!
Still owned by the Lisska family, the bar opened up in the 1930s. Reading reviews online, it seems the food at this classic dive bar is pretty good. They have homemade desserts! Now I wish we'd ventured inside. Next time.
at 6am, all of the tweakers are finally curling up to sleep. the rundown and wind-blown queens motel sits on the edge of the open desert, the last stop for many who are down and out.
mamiya 6MF 50mm f/4 + kodak portra 160. lab: the icon, los angeles, ca. scan: epson V750. exif tags: filmtagger.
a weathered billboard on the western fringes of barstow. mamiya 6MF 50mm f/4 + kodak portra 160. lab: the icon, los angeles, ca. scan: epson V750. exif tags: lenstagger.
Columbus, Ohio
When we went on our Ohio/Kentucky road trip, I had a list of must-shoot signs from a friend who grew up in the area; this was one of them. It didn't disappoint.
It's time-ravaged for sure, but still such a marvellous sign.
Gainesville, FL
UPDATE: Sadly, this motel and its amazing sign are gone.
former location of gaston's cafe where leonard knight of salvation mountain fame would drink his morning coffee. mamiya 6MF 50mm f/4 + kodak portra 160. lab: the icon, los angeles, ca. scan: epson V750. exif tags: filmtagger.
Richmond, VA
Doesn't this old building have marvellous detail!? Built in 1928, this was previously the home of The Berry-Burk Company, a clothing store. Imagine shopping for clothes here!
The store is long gone and the building has been repurposed to apartments.
As a bonus, I also captured a second, partially-hidden scaffold sign too!
Route/US 30 (Lincoln Highway)
Jennerstown, PA
Sadly, this sign is gone. The sign's frame stands but everything else has been stripped away. I discovered this in the fall of 2019, when last we drove along here. Tied on the frame was a canvas sign proclaiming "Future administrative home of the Mountain Playhouse".
I really liked the corrugated plastic sign and the small neon arrow. And yes, there was a small wishing well set back on the lawn. I wonder if that's still there.