Lamp Post (Gone)
Fresno, CA
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

Here's an old sign for The Lamp Post in Fresno. Check out the arrow and the “Cocktails” and “Park in Rear” lettering, giving motorists a few useful directions along Divisadero Street. With signs for Lum's Chop Suey and the Eagle Cafe nearby, this stretch offered plenty to catch. 02-06

Originally known as Ted's Lamp Post, the neighborhood bar later dropped Ted's name, which was painted over on the sign. In its final years, the place operated as a bar and art gallery, hosting live music and taking part in Fresno's ArtHop events. A little art and music behind that old cocktail sign.

UPDATE: The Lamp Post closed in October 2012. Its neon tubing had been removed in 2010, leaving the sign standing without its glow until the remaining structure was taken down between 2016 and 2017. 09-26

Mendota Round Up (Closed)
Mendota, CA
Photo courtesy Devil Doll

Cruising through the Central California town of Mendota, check out the fading marquee for the Mendota Round Up. This old bar sign hangs out over Oller Street, giving the roadside camera a reason to pause before heading farther through town. A little weathered, but still getting the name across when this photo was taken. 09-06

The place was once known as Beckman's Round-Up Bar, serving cold beer, sandwiches, and dinners to locals and folks coming in from the surrounding agricultural area. Later, the menu changed to Mexican food while the Round Up name stayed along for the ride.

UPDATE: The Round Up has closed. The old marquee is gone. 09-26

Tony's Rendezvous
Los Banos, CA
Photo courtesy Devil Doll

Catch the neon lettering for Tony's Rendezvous while cruising through Los Banos, CA. Sitting above the entrance along I Street, the sign gives passing motorists something to look for as daylight fades. A good reason to make a turn through downtown while out on the evening photo rounds. 09-06

Tony's has been a local fixture since at least the early 1980s. Pool tables, a jukebox, and wood paneling carry the neighborhood bar atmosphere inside, but the neon out front is enough to keep the roadside camera busy for a moment.

UPDATE: Tony's Rendezvous remains open, and its familiar neon sign survives along I Street. Still a little glow to catch while passing through Los Banos. 09-26