El Comedor – Moriarity, New Mexico

Since we just had the Granite Furniture star-sphere, I thought we would take a look at the Roto-Sphere at the El Comedor Restaurant in Moriarity, Nm. We stopped there in the spring of ’08 and the staff said that the sphere was not rotating because when they turn it one the wind normally causes the neon to break. I’m not sure what their plans are for the future renovation of of the motor on this sign. The neon is supposed to be working but we weren’t going to be there at night. Maybe next time through.

Granite Furniture – Sugar House, UT

Right in downtown Sugar House is this beautiful sign. Last time I was there it wasn’t lit and I have heard that the future of the building is somewhat in question.

Star Noodle – Ogden, UT

The Star Noodle on 25th St in Ogden UT has been a favorite of mine for quite some time. I once stopped in and talked to the owner who told me the restaurant was opened in the early 40’s by his father & uncle. They were both Japanese and opened the restaurant as Chinese to avoid any problems that might have occured because of WWII. I understand that the sign is now gone.

The amazing things about this sign is that it was 3-D, not just a flat two-sided sign. The fire/tongue was animated and the eyes flashed. The number of colors and the shear size of the sign was staggering. I hope that it can be restored and displayed somewhere soon.

North Hiway Cafe – Idaho Falls, ID

The North Hiway Cafe in Idaho Falls has been in business for over 50 (if I remember correctly) and has one of the most wicked awesome arrows that I have ever seen. This is just in case you don’t know where the front door is. They also have great pie.

The Mint – Livingston, MT

Obviously a gamblin’ joint, another photo taken by my dear big sis. Not too bad of a sign with neon and bulbs

Murray Hotel/Cafe – Livingston Montana

A few years ago my wonderful sister went with her hubby up into Montana. While there, she snapped several great photos of some of the best signs I have ever seen. She’ll be the guest photographer for the next few days. So first up is the Murray Hotel/Cafe in Livingston, Montana.

This has got to be one of the greatest sign designs that I have ever seen. The H hooking into the building, the top letters hanging from the edge of the sign, the two triangles that make up the body. Can you tell that I’m drooling over this one?

Lake Steam Bath – Denver, CO

When photographing neon, I usually try to get some sort of story about the place. So often the folks owning the business or working there know nothing about the sign or the history. However, this was different. The owner is the grandson of the man who started the business.

Opened in 1927 by a Russian immigrant, this business has been in the family and open the entire time. The owner said that his grandpa was a firm believer in the benefits of steam on a person’s health. While it is nothing to look at on the outside, for a place to be open 80 years and still be respectable says something for the ownership.

The sign does have heavy plastic covering the neon after it was destroyed during a hail storm several years ago. This one is also located on Colfax in Denver (It seems that almost all the neon in Denver is on Colfax, which is also US Route 6)

Pete’s Kitchen – Denver, CO

This is one fabulous sign and on top of that the food is great as well.

When this photo was taken (about 5 years back), the flipping action was not working on the sign. This is located on Colfax in Denver, open 24 hours (like the sign says) and is a classic diner. It is definately worth stopping and at least grabbing something to snack on.

Alta View Motel Cafe – Sandy, UT – gone

I snapped this one several years ago on State Street, a major road that runs through Salt Lake City and points south. This one is in Sandy. There was no building at the time, just a bunch of trees and this sign. Last month I drove past again and now the trees are gone and they are clearing the land for some new development.

The utility pole was so close, there was no way to capture the sign alone.

Here is the back side of the sign

Woodland Shopping Center – Tulsa, OK

The Woodland Shopping Center is just of Rt 44 In Tulsa. It is also the home to Lana Thai, the best Thai food in town. In this shot it looks like the lamp is lit, but I’m not so sure it wasn’t a trick of sunlight.