Lenhardt’s Plastic Sign

Signs made with plastic faces were often internally lit with fluorescent lighting. Since the Plastic Era began around the end of World War II, the material has become a ubiquitous and favorite choice for sign-makers because of its ability to encase and protect fragile interior lighting.

Once a Cincinnati icon for German and Hungarian food, Lenhardt’s was open in the Clifton Heights neighborhood from 1955 to 2013. This internally-illuminated, plastic sign is likely original to the restaurant’s mid-century opening. In 2014, the Lenhardt’s family donated the sign to the Museum. In 2023, this sign along with all of the ASM’s other plastic signs were retrofitted to LED lighting, which is now the industry-standard for lighting signs.

Good

04/29/2022: power cord replaced and sign re-lamped at cost of $112