A new and thrilling promotional phenomenon arrived in the early 1920's that took traditional methods of marketing to other level. In 1923, Georges Claude and his French company Claude Neon, introduced neon gas signs to the United States. It was in that same year that the first neon sign was installed in the city of Los Angeles, California. A Packard car dealer, Earle C. Anthony, strange from Paris, two "Packard" signs for his franchise which he paid $24,000 for. Of course this was an undreamed of of amount to pay during that time for two signs, but the construct was new and unique although the popularity of neon signs was not widespread yet. Today, this time of origin Packard sign is located on a in camera closely-held structure in Cottage Grove, Oregon, but can be viewed from the sidewalk.
Glass benders infuse a variety of gases (ie. neon, helium, xenon, argon and krypton) to produce a diversity of colors. When you look at the dazzling show of neon lights that shine brightly on Broadway in New York and on the Strip or on Fremont Street in Las Vegas, Nevada, they are as spectacular as a fireworks show on New Year's Eve or the Fourth of July. Traveling across the country and around the world, you will find a variety of businesses still displaying the undreamed of of craft of neon lights.
Neon lights on theatre marquees, signs for motels, hotels, restaurants, casinos, and other businesses added that "wow factor" for attracting potential clients and curious onlookers. These lights on the outside of businesses were an exciting hook to lure you into determination out what was happening on the inside of that establishment. Neon lights were quite a innovative promotional marketing tool.
From advertising to art, the popularity of neon lights, neon clocks, neon specialty and novelty signs, business signs, bar signs, beer signs and light boxes segue into eye-catching collectibles. If you are a neon light enthusiast wanting to learn more about the education, story and preservation of neon collectibles, here are some resources:
1. MONA (The Museum of Neon Art) educates the public about the story, culture, and technical aspects of electric and kinetic media. MONA provides neon art classes and is dedicated to the education, exhibition and preservation of electric and kinetic media art.
2. The Neon Museum in Las Vegas collects, preserves, studies and exhibits neon signs for the enrichment and education of their global audiences.
3. Roadside Peek admits content on its website regarding education and sightings of neon lights. They also admit other roadside icons and treasures from the past found across the country.
For institutional locations regarding continued education on neon signs, here is a list of some schools provided by the Neon University:
1. British School of Neon (England)
2. Daco Neon School (Papillon, NE)
3. Ed Waldrum School of Neon (Irving, Texas)
4. Hollywood School of Neon (Hollywood, Florida)
5. National Neon Institute (Benicia, California)
6. Neon Trade School (Las Vegas, Nevada)
7. Savage Neon (Baltimore, Maryland)
8. Urban Glass (Brooklyn, New York)
9. North Texas Neon School (Ft. Worth, Texas)
10. Northwest Indiana School of Neon (Hammond, Indiana)
11. Northwest Technical College (Detroit Lakes, MN)
The art, science and theatrics of neon signs can inspire you to collect or revive that retro promotional look for your business.
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