Howard Johnson’s Fiberglass Display Sign

Hollow fiberglass sign would have been installed in front of the restaurant, bolted to a concrete slab or possibly on a brick planter.

Object Number : 2016.0025.0001

Type : signs/displays

Sub Types : Array

Decade : 1960 - 1969

Object History :

Sign was from the Howard Johnson’s restaurant formerly located in Towson, MD. It was purchased from the estate of Pompeo DeRenzo who managed the restaurant beginning in 1977 until his retirement. DeRenzo had formerly been an area supervisor from the late 1960s until 1972, and the area manager for Maryland until 1978. When the company was restructured in 1977, DeRenzo’s job was given to someone with a college degree, but Claire Allen, daughter of Howard Johnson, offered him the manager position. The sign was removed in the late 1980s when the company decided to update its look.

According to Rich Kummerlowe, they were usually white, but this one was probably painted by a local signpainter.

(See also 2016.0025.0002)

City of Origin : Towson

State of Origin : Maryland

Status : Exhibit

Location : Main Street

Donor Name : Aimee DeRenzo (purchased)

First Contact Date : 4/13/2016

First Contact Description : E-mail inquiring about the museum's interest in the sign

Follow Up Date : 4/14/2016

Follow Up Description : E-mail response

Purchase Cost : $900.00