Kentucky KFC Col. Sanders Internally Illuminated Plastic Sign

Double-faced fluorescent plastic sign for Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is painted using the cut-and-spray method. “Col. Sanders” is hand-lettered on front of face.

Object Number : 1999.0003.0001

Type : signs/displays

Sub Types : Array

Decade : 1950 - 1959

Object Height : 54 in.

Object Width : 35 in.

Object Depth : 9 in.

Object Weight : 80 lbs. (est.)

Object History :

John Smith of Cincinnati Signs Supplies originally wrote to Jerry Swormstedt in August 1988 telling him of the availability of a number of signs for the proposed National Signs of the Times Museum. Among the signs noted was this Col. Sanders sign, which was sitting at Lodge Signs and had never been installed. There was no follow-up until Tod Swormstedt discovered the letter 11 years later and contacted Larry Lodge. By this time, Lodge had planned to retire and close the Lodge Sign Company. He said he would have a number of other items of possible interest to the museum. This resulted to several visits to Lodge Signs and the acquisition of many sign-related objects.

City of Origin : Fremont

State of Origin : Ohio

Status : Exhibit

Location : Plastics/Large Scale Neon Room

Status Location : Plastic Period area

Donor Name : Larry Lodge

Contact Donor : 1

Company : Lodge Sign Company (out of business)

Date of Execution : Late 1950s

Signature : The Countryman Company

Signature Location : Decal on side of cabinet

Condition :

Fair: Back side has large crack in plastic and was replaced with a flat plastic face. What was originally the “good side,” was damaged when the original ballast overheated, causing extensive smoke damage.

Restoration Cost : $55.00

Restoration Date : 3/15/2001

Restoration Description :

Cracked sign face replaced with flat plastic face.

Maintenance History :

5-6-2017: Troubleshooting ballast at a cost of $22.00

7-19-2019: Replaced internal lighting at a cost of $300.00

First Contact Date : 8/25/1988

First Contact Description : Referral from John Smith, Cincinnati Sign Supplies

Deed of Gift Form Received : 7/20/1999

Object Received Date : 7/20/1999

Object Cataloged Date : 11/17/1999