|
The History of Neon in Philadelphia: February 25
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—The Society of Architectural Historians, Philadelphia Chapter, along with co-sponsor AIA Phila Historic Preservation Committee, present:
The History of Neon in Philadelphia
by Len Davidson, Curator of the Neon Museum in Philadelphia
Thursday, February 25, 6 pm
Philadelphia Center for Architecture, 1218 Arch Street
Cost: $5 for Phila SAH, Oliver Evans SIA, and Philadelphia AIA members; $10 for general public
From McGillin’s Old Ale House to Levis Hotdog—neon signs have helped illuminate many Philadelphia landmarks. The city has been a major manufacturer of creative neon signage since the 1930s. During the middle of the twentieth century, neon signs turned North America’s cities and roadsides into a luminous wonderland. Add in the magic of animation, and signs became spectaculars. These unforgettable depictions of exploding bowling pins, crashing cars, baton twirling majorettes, and lassoing cowboys were fodder for legend and lore.
Encouragingly, some cities across the United States and Canada are trying to preserve their few remaining neon treasures. Philadelphia has been at the forefront of this movement, and there are several initiatives to create a sign district in the city, as well as to display more of the museum’s collection. Unlike nineteenth-century wooden and metal shop signs that have overwhelmingly disappeared, it is hoped that our twentieth-century neon treasures can be saved. Len Davidson will discuss the history of this electrifying folk art.
Len Davidson began collecting neon in the 1970s and has collected and/or preserved more than 200 vintage signs, including The Reading Terminal Market and Pat’s Steaks. He started an award-winning custom sign business in 1979 and the Neon Museum of Philadelphia in 1985. The Museum’s mission is to preserve, restore, and display classic neon signs for the public to enjoy. About 100 + neon pieces in the collection date to the 1950’s and earlier. Davidson publishes a line of neon postcards and is the author of Vintage Neon. Thirteen of his signs are on display at the Center for Architecture and others are pictured at www.davidsonneon.com.
For more information, call Len Davidson at 215/232-0478 or email him at len@davidsonneon.com.
|
