“EAT-DINER” Flashing Neon Sign

Production double-faced neon sign reads,”EAT – Diner.” “EAT” flashes on and off; “Diner” copy is paint only (no neon).

Object Number : 1999.0003.0002

Type : signs/displays

Decade : 1950 - 1959

Object Height : 25 in.

Object Width : 35 in.

Object Depth : 16 in.

Object Weight : 75 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 a Col. Sanders sign (see 1999.0003.0001), 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 : Restoration Shop

Donor Name : Larry Lodge

Contact Donor : 1

Company : Lodge Sign Company (ceased operations)

Date of Execution : late 1950s

Condition :

Painted sign cabinet in very good condition. Neon was missing when received.

Restoration Cost : $200.00 (est.)

Restoration Date : 6/10/2000

Restoration Description :

Neon and transformer were replaced.

First Contact Date : 8/25/1988

First Contact Description : referral from John Lamb (deceased), Cincinnati Sign Supplies