2003.0006.0001

“Westinghouse Refrigerator” is double-faced porcelain enamel sign with opal glass letters and panels and a neon border.

Object Number : 2003.0006.0001

Type : signs/displays

Sub Types : Array

Decade : 1920 - 1929

Object Height : 48 in.

Object Width : 72 in.

Object Depth : 9-1/4 in.

Object Weight : 300 lbs. (est.)

Object History :

Sign as well as a large inventory of sign components were moved from the original Flexlume Sign Corp. factory in Buffalo, NY, to Flexlume’s current location at 1464 Main St. in downtown Buffalo. Paddy Rowell’s father, F.A. “Al” Rowell, acquired the physical assests of the production sign company in 1945 at auction. The inventory remained virtually undisturbed until the 1990’s when sign collectors became aware Flexlume’s history – particularly with regard to opal glass letter signs. The museum became aware of the Flexlume collection in 2000 and contacted Paddy Rowell to arrange a visit. The visit prompted the donation of the museum’s collection of Flexlume items over the course of the next several years.

Status : Library

Location : Missing

Donor Name : Jean and Paddy Rowell, Sr. - Flexlume Sign Corp.

Contact Donor : 1

Condition :

Good: Porcelain is in excellent shape. All opal glass letters and panels are missing, as is neon border.

First Contact Date : 6/15/2001

First Contact Description : Phone call to arrange visit

Deed of Gift Form Received : 2/20/2003

Object Received Date : 2/4/2003

Object Cataloged Date : 2/6/2003