“Signs on Main Street” Greeted Enthusiastically
Those attending the ISA Show in Las Vegas got a first-hand look at the Museum’s prototype design

“‘The enthusiasm shown by attendance at the exhibit is proof of the high level of interest in the American Sign Museum.’”

-Hon. Oscar Goodman, Mayor of Las Vegas

Nearly 1,000 visitors witnessed the debut of the American Sign Museum’s prototype display, which was held in conjunction with the International Sign Association’s annual Sign Expo in Las Vegas. The Hon. Oscar Goodman, mayor of Las Vegas, unveiled the exhibit Thursday, March 22, in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“The enthusiasm shown by attendance at the exhibit,” Goodman noted, “is proof of the high level of interest in the American Sign Museum. We believe Las Vegas is the perfect location for such a museum, and we look forward to its opening here in the near future.”

The ISA Sign Expo culminated in the association’s “Signs on Main Street” reception Saturday evening. Partygoers entered the event through the museum-prototype exhibit and were treated to an evening of food, drink and music. Designed by the museum and donated by Sungraf Inc. (Hallandale, FL), super-large format banners on display at the reception depicted “Signs of Las Vegas Past” from the archives. Coverage by the local press even prompted the local citizenry to visit.

Also at the party was a 9-ft., ’60s version of the famous Big Boy American icon. The ever-popular sculpture served as a backdrop to numerous photographic moments during the three days.

In addition, a 1965-version blueprint of the Holiday Inn sign was on hand, thanks to Tom Cummings III, president of Cummings Inc. His father, Tom Cummings Jr., donated a complimentary 8-ft. model of “The Great Sign” that was specially built for Holiday Inn as a tradeshow prop.

Finally, a 3 x 6-ft. rendering of the proposed American Sign Museum, as envisioned by Trustee Steve Izenour of the world-renowned architectural firm of Venturi, Scott Brown & Associates, was prominently featured. Early arrivers to the Thursday night reception quickly depleted souvenir reprints.

The “Signs on Main Street” exhibit was made possible by the generous financial support of its sponsors, including the International Sign Association; Gemini, Inc.; Signtronics (formerly Gulf Industries); and Federal Sign, Div. of Federal Signal Corp. In addition, Jerry Swormstedt and Dave Swormstedt Jr. made significant contributions in memory of their father, Dave Swormstedt Sr. (1904-1978), past president of ST Publications and a founding member of the former National Electric Sign Association (now ISA). Betty Jane Ahrens also made a significant financial contribution in memory of her father, H.C. Menefee (1883-1963), founder of ST Publications.

Suppliers donating materials and/or services included: the former Ad Art Electronic Sign Corp. (Stockton, CA); Alusuisse Composites Inc. (St. Louis); Cummings Inc. (Nashville, TN); EGL Co. (Berkeley Heights, NJ); Fine Gold Sign Co. and Esoteric Sign Supply (Wilmington, CA); Frisch’s Restaurants Inc. (Cincinnati); GE Structured Products (Pittsfield, MA); Gemini Inc. (Cannon Falls, MN); Graphic Artist Group (Portland, OR); Midwest Sign and Screen Printing Supply Co. (St. Paul, MN); Rocket City Neon (Camas, WA); Sepp Leaf Products (New York); Sungraf Inc. (Hallandale, FL); Transco Inc. (West Columbia, SC); Venturi, Scott Brown & Associates; and Young Electric Sign Co. (YESCO), Las Vegas).

The American Sign Museum is a not-for-profit, 501 (c) 3 corporation, which was founded in 1999 as the American Sign Museum. Its mission is to inform and educate the general public, as well as business and special interest groups, about the history of the sign industry and its significant contribution to commerce and the American landscape.

For more information, contact Tod Swormstedt @ (800) 925-1110, ext. 336.