Backlit at night, if the flourescent tubing is intact. Type is usually raised w/ vacuum process or interchangeable. Came into favor in the late 60's and 70's, probably much less expensive than giant 3-D monoliths, not to mention more in keeping with ever-stricter local ordinances.

NOTE: I haven't added new photos to this section of the site in a few years; with the purchase of a digital camera the quantity of sign photos got to be too overwhelming. I've started uploading sign photos to Flickr, click here to see my newer photos tagged with "plastic sign." See also my tag of "great typography."

Click on the photos to see larger versions.

3/01. West Ghent, Norfolk, VA. 4 blocks from my house, a great corner bar near the cargo shipping terminal.	2001. Norfolk, VA. Nice layering in this one; must've changed hands.	12/01, NYC. On 79th St., obviously. See also this neighboring cleaners' sign.

2001. Portsmouth, VA. There are too many "Hot Dog Kings" in this area, each claiming to be the original.	2001. Near Williamsburg, VA. From the E. Virginia road trip.	2001. Orlando, FL. Would've liked to have gone in. A-frame building. Overexposure, sorry.	7/01. San Francisco liquor store. Near Van Ness/Jackson streets.

1997. Lions Club near my home in Paw Paw, MI. A blank canvas waiting for your urgent Bingo announcement.	6/00. Fair-sized West Virginia mountain town. Check out those shadows.	1999. San Francisco, CA. Ordinary sign, but nice sans-serif type. Photo by Keiko.