Tagus Theatre

Turlock Lodge
Turlock, CA
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

The tall neon sign for Turlock Masonic Lodge No. 395 stands outside the lodge building, complete with the familiar Masonic square-and-compasses emblem. When the neon was glowing, there was little chance of missing the lodge while passing through Turlock. 03-06

The organization was established in 1908 and moved into its present Masonic Temple in 1920. The historic building remains an active center for fraternal and community events.

UPDATE: Turlock Lodge No. 395 merged with another lodge in 2017 and now operates as Turlock Lodge No. 236. The historic building and vintage roadside sign still survive. 09-26

T Radiator (Gone)
Fresno, CA
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

The large letter “T” dominates this old sign for Thomas Radiator Works in downtown Fresno. The “T” was the company's longtime trademark, not just a mysterious radiator symbol. 03-06

The business began during the 1920s as Thomas Radiator and Fender Works. It operated along Fresno's old Broadway automotive row, close to Master Radiator Works and Arrow Electric Motor Service. Apparently, this was the block to visit when something under the hood started steaming.

UPDATE: Thomas Radiator Works is closed, although its old industrial building survives with other commercial uses. The distinctive “T” sign has been removed. 09-26

Firebaugh Pharmacy
Firebaugh,CA
Photo courtesy Devil Doll

This weathered neon “GIFTS” sign was an orphaned remnant of Firebaugh Pharmacy, which once occupied the corner of O and 11th streets. The store sold gifts, cards, and sundries alongside its regular drugstore goods. 03-06

Firebaugh Pharmacy closed during the late 1970s or early 1980s. The storefront later passed through several retail uses before becoming an Apostolic Assembly worship hall, leaving the old sign without a business to advertise.

UPDATE: The original commercial building still stands, but the neon “GIFTS” blade sign has been removed. 09-26

Belli Hardware
Firebaugh, CA
Photo courtesy Devil Doll

There is plenty to look at outside Belli Hardware in downtown Firebaugh. The storefront carries an early black Belli sign, a weathered Dutch Boy Paints sign, and an old General Electric appliance marquee. One hardware store, three roadside signs, and not a blank wall in sight. 03-06

Dewey and Inez Belli opened the store in 1946 and operated it together for more than 60 years. Belli Hardware supplied tools, parts, and household goods to local farmers, tradesmen, and residents along Firebaugh's O Street commercial strip.

UPDATE: The traditional full-service hardware operation has wound down, although the downtown property continues to be used for vintage hardware and antique gas-pump parts. The cluster of old Belli, Dutch Boy, and GE signs still survives outside the building. 09-26

Bakery
Los Banos, CA
Photo courtesy Devil Doll

Los Banos was home to this old neon sign for The Bakery. The simple name left no doubt about what shoppers would find inside, and the projecting marquee made it easy to spot while traveling through downtown. 03-06

UPDATE: The original bakery appears to be closed, but the status of its building and vintage sign remains unknown. 09-26

Polly Ann Bakery
Turlock, CA
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

Check out the rolling-pin marquee for Polly Ann Bakery in Turlock. Its sculpted rolling pin and script lettering are good examples of the playful signs that once made each roadside town look different. 03-06

Polly Ann was remembered for cakes, dinner rolls, donut holes, and Angel Cookies. Sunrise Bakery took over the building in 1996 and moved the old sign to the rear.

UPDATE: Sunrise still uses the building as a production kitchen. The Polly Ann sign survives at the rear, although its neon remains dark. 09-26

Rebecchi's Department Store (Gone)
Firebaugh, CA
Photo courtesy Devil Doll

Here's the old roadside sign for Rebecchi's Department Store, a longtime fixture in downtown Firebaugh. The projecting marquee looked like it had already watched several generations of shoppers pass beneath it. 09-06

Armando and Maria Rebecchi opened the Firebaugh General Store during the 1920s. It grew into a full department store carrying clothing, hardware, meats, and everyday goods. The family was also remembered for extending credit to local families during difficult times and playing Christmas carols over a sidewalk loudspeaker each holiday season.

UPDATE: A fire spread from the neighboring barber shop on February 7, 2017, destroying Rebecchi's, its historic contents, and the roadside sign. 09-26

Market
CA
Photo courtesy Rod Holcomb

This faded and broken-down Market sign was found somewhere along the Central California roadside. Most of the paint and lettering had disappeared, leaving just enough behind to hint at the little roadside business that once stood nearby. 11-10

There is no town, highway, or business name attached to the photograph, so the story behind the sign remains a mystery. It may have advertised a neighborhood grocery, produce market, or rural general store. Sometimes the road keeps a few secrets.

UPDATE: The location of the market remains unidentified, and the sign is presumed to be gone. 09-26