Neon Sign Updates
Orchard Supply Hardware
December 2020: PAC*SJ and History San José are thrilled to announce the successful return of the beloved Orchard Supply Hardware sign, which was stolen from its long-time home on West San Carlos Street in 2018. Recovered by the San Jose Police Department in 2019 and restored by Arrow Sign Company, it now stands proudly alongside the vintage OSH boxcar at History Park. The red and green arrow sign will be temporarily re-lit for Christmas in the Park through January 2, 2021, but will require additional fundraising to be permanently wired for display. CLICK HERE to donate to the restoration fund!
Stephen's Meat Products
October 2020: PAC*SJ was a proud sponsor and presenter at the 2020 Neon Speaks Festival and Symposium, where we shared this video celebrating our successful "Save Our Dancing Pig" campaign to preserve and restore the beloved Stephen's Meat Products sign on Montgomery Avenue near Diridon Station.
The Pig Dances Again!
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City Center Motel "Diving Lady"
July 2020: The iconic Diving Lady City Center Motel sign on the corner of S. First and E. William Streets was removed to make way for a 27-story residential tower. The good news is that it has been moved to a History San Jose warehouse for safekeeping along with other treasured neon signs. The sign collection awaits a funding plan towards restoration and public display. PAC*SJ has been monitoring this diving lady sign for several years, pursuing its rescue and keeping it here in our community. We are pleased and gratified that the City of San Jose assisted in its preservation and that History San Jose has been able to store this sign and others for a future display. (Photo courtesy Ken Middlebrook)
Western Appliance
January 2020: With Western Appliance announcing its closure after 146 years in business, PAC*SJ is hoping this sign can be landmarked and stay on location at 1976 W. San Carlos. That's the best way to preserve this integral part of San Jose's skyline.
Harn Soper, a friend of PAC*SJ, relates how he wrote and recorded the familiar jingle:
"46 years ago I moved to the Bay Area from Iowa to start one of my careers in music writing jingles. My first job was the Western Appliance radio jingle “Western Appliance ... making life much easier for you”. The copy was read by their spokesperson Shawn Callahan. What a fun memory to be a small part of a Bay Area business icon."
Hear it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIbVVNYeEns
