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Updated: originally posted on July 30… the lights were to be turned on tonight, August 5, as part of the opening reception celebration. Check out LAist for coverage and photos of the event. There is also an amusing pic of Weho Jesus in the gallery at Weho Patch.
Weho Daily was confused today, but things are clearing up after talking to Andrew Campbell, the Cultural Affairs Director for the City of West Hollywood. We’re excited to tell you that the vintage neon signs that made a brief appearance have been reinstalled, and are in the process of being wired to be lit up (they were only on location without power before).
Vintage Neon Swimmer Sign from Route 66, to be on display on Santa Monica Blvd near Holloway. (photo: Zach Behrens for LAist, click for coverage)
The confusion came after we saw there were a bunch of vintage neon signs around town, but they were removed in the last few weeks. But today, the City of West Hollywood issued a press release talking about “On Route — 66 Lights” that sounds a lot like what we thought was an exhibition that passed.
Vintage Winchell's neon sign located in Plummer Park before removal in the last few weeks. (photo: Joel McKenna)
Apparently the vintage neon signs were only out to prepare for installation and the full exhibition.
Details from Weho Daily reader Victor Beltran seemed to confirm that before we had a chance to talk to the City. “I walked by on Monday and they had them out waiting to be placed in,” he said. “The description panel across the street was never removed.”
The “On Route – 66 Lights” exhibit will officially kick off with a reception to be held on Thursday, August 5, 2010 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Sal Guarriello Veterans’ Memorial on Santa Monica Boulevard at Holloway Drive, across from Barney’s Beanery in West Hollywood.
A classic neon swimmer sign from Route 66 is on display in the center median of Santa Monica Blvd, near La Cienega (photo: Joel McKenna)
The exhibition will include a walking tour component of the many existing neon signs in the area.
Among West Hollywood’s most well-known signs are the gently swinging “R” above the entrance to the Roxy Theatre, and the glowing green welcome on the post in front of Dan Tana’s Italian restaurant, in place since 1964.
Perhaps the most visible neon splash in the entire City is the Emser Tile rooftop signage, which has become a comforting signpost for the neighborhood.
Among the oldest pieces of classic neon signage in West Hollywood rests upon the El Mirador Apartments, built in 1929.
Pulling together the exhibition was one of the hardest things he has ever done, according to Campbell of the City of West Hollywood.
And what a fantastic thing it turned out to be! We can’t wait to see the signs lit up. He said the signs may be with us until next summer.
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