Lytle Signs
Twin Falls, ID
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

Lytle Signs still has an old-style marquee out front, complete with a large swooping arrow. It's the kind of sign you'd expect to find in front of a company that makes signs for a living.

Founded in 1948, Lytle Signs has grown into one of the best-known sign companies in the Intermountain West. The vintage marquee serves as both an advertisement and a showcase of the craftsmanship that helped build the company's reputation.

The big arrow is what really makes the sign stand out. It's a classic piece of roadside design and a fitting symbol for a business that has spent decades helping other companies get noticed. 10-06

UPDATE: Lytle Signs remains in business today. When the company relocated to its current headquarters, the historic arrow sign was preserved and moved as well. It continues to greet visitors and serve as a reminder of the company's long history in the sign business. 06-26

Clothiers (Closed)
Mountain Home, ID
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

This old roadside store was home to Clothiers, a downtown Mountain Home business that sold clothing and shoes. The sign is interesting for another reason as well—the two-color lettering spelling out "SHOES" is a reminder of the classic Kinney Shoes era that was once common across America.

While the storefront itself was fairly straightforward, the sign managed to capture a little bit of that mid-century Main Street character. It's the kind of detail that's easy to overlook until you realize how few of these old signs remain. Sometimes a simple sign can bring back memories of an entire era of downtown shopping. 10-06

UPDATE: The original clothing and shoe store has long since closed. The building remains standing in downtown Mountain Home, though the vintage sign no longer survives. 06-26

Sign
Idaho Falls, ID
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

Here's an unnamed sign found in Idaho Falls. Even without knowing exactly what business it advertised, the design speaks for itself.

The geometric shapes, layered construction, and streamlined styling are classic examples of the Art Deco era. Signs like this were built to look modern and futuristic, giving businesses a sense of progress and excitement.

Unfortunately, many signs of this type disappeared during later remodeling projects, making surviving examples increasingly difficult to find. Even without a name attached to it, this sign offers a nice glimpse into a design style that once defined America's commercial streets. 10-06

UPDATE: The original business associated with this sign could not be identified. The current status of the sign could not be independently verified. 06-26

Smith's Dairy Products (Closed)
Buhl, ID
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

Here is a gem of a sign at Smith's Dairy Products in Buhl, Idaho. The sign was a perfect match for the building behind it, one of the best examples of Art Deco industrial architecture in southern Idaho.

For years, Smith's Dairy Products served the community from this distinctive creamery building. Between the streamlined architecture, glass block details, and vintage signage, the property looked like it belonged in a postcard from the 1940s. It's the kind of place that reminds you great roadside architecture wasn't limited to motels and diners. Even a dairy plant could have style. 09-08

UPDATE: The historic creamery building still stands and remains in use today. The original Smith's Dairy Products sign has been removed, and the property now operates under different ownership and branding. 06-26

Johnson Storage
Denver, CO
Photo courtesy Tammy Terwelp

The Johnson Storage blade marquee is another great roadside sign found in Denver. Hanging above Broadway, the vertical sign has been helping advertise the business for generations.

Founded in 1900, Johnson Storage is one of Denver's oldest family-owned businesses. The vintage blade sign reflects an era when companies relied on bold, vertical marquees to stand out along busy commercial corridors.

The sign has become a familiar part of the streetscape and serves as a reminder of Denver's long commercial history. 09-10

UPDATE: Johnson Storage remains in business today, and the historic blade sign continues to survive on the building. Recent restoration work has helped ensure the marquee remains a visible landmark along Broadway. 06-26

Gases
Denver, CO
Photo courtesy Tammy Terwelp

Here's an eye-catching roadside sign calling out GASES in Denver. At first glance it seems a little unusual, but the smaller lettering helps tell the story, advertising "Medical Industrial Specialty" gases for commercial customers.

Unlike the flashy neon signs found at motels and restaurants, this one was all business. Its bold lettering was designed to be seen from a distance by welders, contractors, mechanics, and other customers looking for supplies. Even so, the sign had a rugged character that made it stand out along the street.

I've always enjoyed signs like this because they advertise industries that most travelers rarely think about. They may not be glamorous, but they played an important role in keeping businesses running. 09-10

UPDATE: Not sure if this sign still exists these days. 06-26