Storefront sign is actually a combination of five different signs, constructed from a variety of materials. The main identity – “Loomis Camera” – is composed of individual backlit, plastic faced, sheetmetal cabinets – one for each letter. The three-dimnesional camera is fabricated from sheetmetal with neon highlights. Sign also included a reader board and a painted plywood sign. The museum acquired only the main identity and the camera.
The business and the sign itself has a long history. The business was founded in the late 1800s by R. Ford Loomis, and was named, “Cheapside,” offering office supplies, greeting cards, and stationary at its Middel Avenue location. In 1944, Loomis sold it to Ed Prentke, who added photographic equipment to the stores product line. In 1950 the business was once again sold and moved to its final location at 413 Broad Street. The business closed in 2012 and the sign was removed by Wagner Electric Signs at no cost to the museum.
The folksy sign with the animated camera flash had long been a thorn in the side of the city of Elyria. At one point, the business won an eleven year battle to keep its iconic sign. In the early 1990s the City enacted new building regulations and once again fought to have the sign removed. However, a grass roots community effort rallied to save the sign, and it was granted historic status.
The camera went through several changes as technology evolved: what was originally a 4×4 press camera, became a Kodak 126 Istamatic in the 1960s. It later became a pentax 35mm SLR. Each successive change was accomplished by re-lettering the camera.
The sign was desgined and built by Richard Lee Wilson who worked for a sign company called Swart Signs located in Elyria, OH.
Camera has been restored including new border tubes around the lens and the entire camera. Camera flash has been restored with a new flasher and plastic lens.
Marshall Field & Company Porcelain Enamel Channel Letters