Dolly Madison (Gone)
Colorado Springs, CO
Photo courtesy Robin McCracken

This old Dolly Madison sign could be found along Colorado Boulevard in Denver. By the time this photo was taken, the bakery shop was long gone and the building had become part of a cluster of Middle Eastern restaurants, leaving the faded sign as one of the last reminders of what had once been there. Robin noted that a large hole was being dug right next to the sign at the time, the kind of activity that tends to get the attention of anyone who appreciates old roadside relics. Whenever construction equipment shows up near a vintage sign, you can't help but wonder if its days are numbered.

Even in its faded condition, the old sign still had plenty of character and served as a reminder of an earlier era along Colorado Boulevard. 01-13

UPDATE: The faded Dolly Madison sign no longer survives. In 2021, the structure was repurposed for Amira Grill, giving the sign a new life under a different business name while ending its long association with Dolly Madison. 06-26

Country Fair
Denver, CO
Photo courtesy Robin McCracken

This sign is for Country Fair in Denver. Though the sign is a bit bashed, spring is certainly being celebrated.

The colorful sign was hard to miss and fit perfectly with a garden center. Between the cheerful artwork and playful lettering, it looked like it belonged at a county fair as much as a nursery. Even with a few bumps and bruises from years of exposure to the elements, it still had plenty of charm.

Signs like this are a reminder that not every memorable roadside attraction needed neon. Sometimes a little creativity and a splash of color were enough to make people take notice. 01-13

UPDATE: Country Fair Garden Center remains in business today, although word is that it has relocated from its original location. The current status of the vintage sign is unknown. 06-26