Rio Grande
Salt Lake City, UT Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
The Denver and Rio Grande Depot was built for the merging of the Denver & Rio Grande and Western Pacific railroad systems. This depot was completed in 1910, about a year after the completion of the Western Pacific line. In 1909, the competing Union Pacific had constructed its depot at South Temple and 400 West.
For many years, the Rio Grande Depot served as one of Salt Lake City's busiest transportation hubs. Later, after the building was sold to the State of Utah for $1.00 in 1977, it underwent a major restoration and became home to the Utah State Historical Society beginning in 1980. Of course, what always caught my attention was the giant Rio Grande sign glowing from the roof. Few signs were more recognizable on the Salt Lake City skyline, especially after dark. 10-06
UPDATE: The Rio Grande Depot remains standing today, although it has been closed to the public following damage from the 2020 Magna earthquake. The original rooftop Rio Grande sign was removed in 2019 and preserved, while a replica was installed on the depot. The original sign was restored and relit in Heber City in 2025. 06-26
Dancing (Gone)
Ogden, UT Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
Here's a close-up of the Dancing sign found in Ogden, Utah. The sign was located next to the Lighthouse Electric business and was one of those great downtown neon pieces that hinted at another era of evening entertainment.
The sign was tied to the old Berthana Ballroom building, a longtime Ogden landmark that once hosted dances, skating, music, and community events. A simple vertical sign spelling out "DANCING" was all it needed to tell people what was happening inside.
Even without seeing the whole building, the sign says plenty. It brings back the days when downtown sidewalks lit up at night and a glowing marquee could point the way to a night out. 10-06
UPDATE: The historic Berthana building still stands and has been repurposed for other commercial uses. The old Dancing sign no longer appears to survive. 06-26
FOE
Pocatello, ID Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
Check out the marquee for FOE in Pocatello, Idaho. The simple vertical sign stands outside the Fraternal Order of Eagles lodge and gives the building a nice bit of old-school neon character.
Fraternal halls were once a major part of community life in towns across the country. Many had their own signs, meeting halls, and social spaces, but fewer still have vintage neon out front.
This one keeps things simple with the initials FOE stacked vertically for passing traffic to see. Sometimes a few glowing letters are all it takes. 10-06
UPDATE: The Pocatello Fraternal Order of Eagles remains active, and the vintage FOE marquee still survives outside the lodge. It continues to add a little neon glow to this stretch of Pocatello. 06-26
First Security
Salt Lake City, UT Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
Here's the rooftop sign for First Security located in Salt Lake City, Utah. The First Security Bank Building was constructed between 1954 and 1955 and stands as one of the city's most important examples of International Style architecture. The building was designed by noted architect W.A. Sarmiento along with Salt Lake architect Slack W. Winburn. See here for more information. 10-06
When it was completed, the twelve-story tower brought a distinctly modern look to the Salt Lake City skyline. Its glass, steel, and porcelain-paneled exterior was a dramatic departure from the older buildings that surrounded it. Topping it all off was the large First Security rooftop sign, which became a familiar sight for anyone looking across downtown after dark.The building served as headquarters for First Security for decades and remains one of the most recognizable mid-century landmarks in the city. 10-06
UPDATE: The building still stands and remains in active use today under a variety of tenants. The original First Security rooftop sign was removed following the bank's merger with Wells Fargo, but the historic letters were preserved and later placed on display at the University of Utah's David Eccles School of Business. 06-26
Nalder's
Shelley, ID Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
This old vertical sign springs off the side of the building for Nalder's in Shelley, ID. Signs like this were once common in downtown business districts, helping motorists spot a business from blocks away. While many have disappeared over the years, this one was still hanging on when this photo was taken.
Nalder's was established in 1934 by Lloyd and Virla Nalder. Like many small-town businesses of its era, the company wore several hats. In addition to selling furniture, Nalder's also operated a funeral home and even provided ambulance service for the community. The ambulance operation continued until 1976 when Shelley organized its own Quick Response Unit. The Nalder family remained involved in the business for more than seventy years, spanning three generations. 10-06
UPDATE: Word is the original downtown building associated with Nalder's remains standing and has since been repurposed for other commercial uses. The funeral home portion of the business relocated to its own facility in 1995 and continues to operate today. The current status of the vintage vertical sign could not be independently verified. 06-26
Roll Inn Trailer Court (Gone)
Blackfoot, ID Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
After seeing this sign, travelers may have been ready to roll right into the Roll Inn Trailer Court. With its clever name and large roadside presence, it was the kind of sign that could catch the attention of motorists cruising through Blackfoot looking for a place to stay.
Trailer courts like the Roll Inn were once common fixtures along America's highways, serving travelers, seasonal workers, and long-term residents alike. Records indicate the Roll Inn Trailer Court was operating by at least the late 1950s and contained dozens of spaces. By the time this photograph was taken, the sign remained as a colorful reminder of an era when trailer courts and motor courts lined many of the nation's roads. 10-06
UPDATE: The Roll Inn Trailer Court is gone today, and the property has since been redeveloped. The vintage roadside sign pictured here has also been removed and is no longer standing. Whether the sign was preserved or scrapped after its removal is unknown. 06-26
Trailer Court
Mountain High, ID Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
Not sure where this old trailer court sign is pointing. Oh wait, it must be directing visitors to the Trailer Court. Sometimes the simplest signs got the job done.
This vintage directional sign likely dates from the era when trailer courts were springing up across Mountain Home to serve travelers and families connected to nearby Mountain Home Air Force Base. During the 1950s and 1960s, the community experienced significant growth and mobile home parks became a common sight along the highways leading into town. While the sign doesn't identify the specific trailer court it advertised, its large arrow left little doubt about which direction motorists should head. 10-06
UPDATE: The exact trailer court once advertised by this sign. The sign itself has since been removed and is no longer standing. Whether it was preserved or scrapped after removal is unknown. 06-26
Dancing (Gone)
FOE
First Security
Nalder's
Roll Inn Trailer Court (Gone)
Trailer Court
