The classic roadside sign

[Al Alven]

Doowopper’s excellent “Diamonds in the Rough” thread really got me thinking about a number of aspects that make so many of the Wildwoods’ “Doo Wop” motels so special.

One element that seems to be fading away faster than the motels themselves is the art of the classic roadside sign. The island’s landscape used to be dotted with what seemed like an endless collection of vertically-presented signage out in front of the various landmarks.

I’ve always been a huge fan of these. Many of them tend/tended to be quite large, and were probably more difficult to maintain over the years. Hence, surely, the reason we are seeing fewer of them as the years go by.

The recently-posted photos of the Beach Colony brought me to the realization that that motel’s sign represents one of the last few roadside icons left in the Crest. Granted, the Crest has always seemed to be more of a showcase for rooftop signage, but there were also many “corner classics” over the years, like those at the Casa Bahama, DiLido/Dunes, Tahiti, Three Coins, etc.

Perhaps North Wildwood, during it’s motel prime, featured the island’s most noteworthy roadside signs. Just as important to the ambiance of that area as the motels themselves were the signs of the Packard, 24th Street, Bayberry, Flame and many others.

Anyway, just to kind of summarize, I believe that the classic roadside sign is a truly underrated aspect of "Doo Wop" architecture. It's also one element that is disappearing fast, and those examples that are left deserve all the attention we can give them.

Thoughts, comments?

[MMM]

Sometimes it's hard to find a good place for them. Some of the signs that hang off the side of the sides of the Motels could qualify though - Armada, Bristol Plaza, Waikiki, etc.

[Doowopper]

I was happy to see the American Safari Motel rid itself of the flourescent sign and go neon, and keep it on the road.

I agree sometimes placement is an issue, but the roadside signs were/are a key element into really making a place stand out. It's also almost extinct elsewhere. Today's new hotels usually have roadside signs, but at the most they will have maybe a little neon and they are not unique, or eye-catching. Usually having some flourescent panel with "help wanted" on it. The neon roadside sign appears to be becoming unique to the Wildwoods.


Imagine how great this sign looked when it was not all faded and the neon actually worked. It must have really lit up the corner, which is now become dark and un-welcoming.

Hell, why not have a roadside sign, makybe with some sort of design (ie:palm tress, rockets, whatever) and have the classic high reader on the roof with just the places name in a trademark type font?

Iv'e really been enjoying these more in-depth conversacions. It's good to get thinking once in a while.

*going off topic for a moment*
I still think that photo project we talked about back in the dark ages would be a good idea. Just getting all our photos of the island, then and now, doo-wop and nature, together in one place could be a great asset to us, the DWPL, and anyone interested in the island. This would help preserve the history in a way, so it is not forgotten by the masses. I never knew the Beach Colony was the Golden Nugget, and I'm sure many others would find this interesting.

[FlyinGN]

great thread guys!! The sign are a huge part of the love of the hotels..

[hulk007]

I think the 24th street was the coolest of the corner signs. Many of the old signs had shrurbs surrounding them.

[hulk007]

Also from watching the ww special that aired on t.v., it looked like the old windgate sign was cool and if I remember right it was a rotating sign.