Doggie Diner
San Francisco, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Once upon a time, a grinning dog in a chef’s hat meant a Doggie Diner was nearby. The big heads stood above drive-ins around the Bay Area, watching traffic with wide eyes and a bow tie. Some even turned on their poles. Imagine spotting that face from down the street and knowing a hot dog, hamburger, or late-night snack was just ahead.
Humpty Dumpty
Lake Tahoe, CA Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
Perched above the road at Lake Tahoe, Humpty Dumpty looks pretty pleased with himself. He’s got his hat on, his feet dangling, and a front-row seat to the passing traffic. The wall seems sturdy enough, but anyone who remembers the nursery rhyme might still feel like keeping an eye on him.
Big roadside characters have a way of making people slow down and look twice. Humpty does the job without a word, just sitting up there as if he’s been waiting for someone to notice him. There’s probably a story behind how he landed in this spot. That story is still a mystery.
UPDATE: The business Humpty belonged to and what became of the figure have yet to be confirmed. At least this photo caught him before the great fall, if he ever took one. 09-26
BBQ
Pig
Watsonville, CA Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo
This little piggy went to the May
Way Shopping Center in Watsonville. Perched on the tall roadside sign, the Bar B Q pig gives passing drivers a friendly hint about what they might find inside. Shopping center signs don’t always have much personality, but this one brought its own mascot.
May Way opened in 1951, back when a big sign along the road could help a new shopping center catch everyone’s eye. Stores have come and gone over the years, but it’s the little pig that steals the show in this photo. Maybe stop for a picture before going in for something to eat.
UPDATE: The May Way Shopping Center remains in use. The pig and sign were still standing when photographed, though their present condition has not been confirmed. 09-26
Lockeford Meats and Sausage
Lockeford, CA Photo courtesy Tony Craig
Look up before walking into Lockeford Meats and Sausage. There’s a cow standing above the doorway, keeping watch over the little shop and its “Sausage & Treats” sign. It’s a good way to make sure nobody drives past without noticing. 12-10
Inside, the sausages are the real attraction. Lockeford Meats has built a following for its bratwurst and other handmade links, with customers sometimes lining up outside the door. The cow doesn’t seem too concerned about any of this. It just stands up there greeting the next carload.
UPDATE: Lockeford Meats and Sausage is still open on Cotton Street, so the cow can still point the way to a sausage stop. 09-26
Humpty Dumpty
Lockeford Meats and Sausage
