Rapid City Laundry (Gone)
Rapid City, SD
Photo courtesy Don Gardner

Here's an amazing sign for Rapid City Laundry in downtown Rapid City. Check out both the day and night shots. The old sign really comes to life after dark, as the animated neon washwoman appears to scrub away on her washboard and all of the wonderful details begin to stand out. 09-06

Rapid City Laundry opened in 1919 and operated for decades from its downtown location. The giant double-sided neon sign became one of the city's best-known landmarks, even being turned around at one point after Main Street was converted to one-way traffic so it would continue catching the attention of passing motorists. It's no surprise this sign became a favorite subject for neon photographers.

UPDATE: Rapid City Laundry closed in 2010, and the iconic animated sign was carefully removed before the building changed hands. Fortunately, it was saved by the property owner rather than being scrapped, although it is not currently on public display. 06-26

West Side Flower Shop (Gone)
Wichita, KS
Photo courtesy Don Gardner

This beautiful neon sign belonged to West Side Flower Shop in Wichita's historic Delano District. Topped with a glowing neon rose, it could be spotted from quite a ways down the street and was one of those signs that naturally caught your eye, day or night. 09-06

The flower shop opened here in 1952 and served the community for more than 50 years. While the business itself was well known, it was the colorful neon rose that made the building such a memorable roadside landmark and a favorite stop for photographers.

UPDATE: The flower shop closed in 2006, and the famous neon rose was removed when the building changed tenants. Although the 1922 building survives and has been beautifully restored for new commercial use, the sign's whereabouts remain unknown. 06-26

Bell's Amusement Park (Demolished)
Tulsa, OK
Photo courtesy Mark Hackett

Check out the huge neon sign for Bell's Amusement Park in Tulsa. Long before you heard screams from Zingo or smelled the popcorn, this colorful marquee announced that you’d arrived. After dark, who could resist pulling in? 09-08

Opened in 1951, Bell’s entertained generations with its wooden roller coaster, midway and family rides. The glowing entrance sign became as much a part of the visit as the attractions inside.

UPDATE: Bell’s closed in 2006 after losing its Expo Square lease, and the sign disappeared during demolition. A hand-painted Bell’s billboard featuring Zingo was uncovered in 2016 and preserved as a public mural, keeping another piece of the park in view. 06-26

Louis Supermarket (Demolished)
Omaha, NE
Photo courtesy David Johnson

Looking for a vintage grocery store with an intact old marquee? Then Louis Supermarket was a must-see in Omaha. Towering above the intersection, the giant red neon "LOUIS" sign welcomed shoppers for decades and became one of the city's best-known commercial landmarks.

Founded by Louis Paperny, the market grew into one of Omaha's largest independent supermarkets during the 1950s. Like many independent grocers, Louis belonged to a grocery buying cooperative that allowed it to compete with the growing national chains while maintaining its own identity. It was one of those neighborhood stores where the sign became just as memorable as the business itself. 09-06

UPDATE: The supermarket closed and the building was demolished in 2015, but fortunately the famous Louis marquee was saved. After a complete restoration, the neon sign was relocated to the Benson Lights Apartments in 2019, where it continues to glow as a tribute to one of Omaha's most beloved neighborhood businesses. 06-26

South Dakota Stockgrowers
Rapid City, SD
Photo courtesy Don Gardner

The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association neon cowboy rides high above downtown Rapid City. Horse and rider have been catching eyes from this rooftop since 1959, giving roadside visitors a reason to look up.

I remember being awestruck when the neon came alive after dark. I probably spent too long photographing it from every angle, but a sign like this keeps pulling you back for one more shot. After years of darkness, it was restored in 1999.

UPDATE: The association still occupies the building, and its cowboy remains a downtown landmark. In 2024, the building and sign received South Dakota State Historic Landmark designation. 06-26

Moody's Jewelers
Tulsa, OK
Photo courtesy Tony Craig

Just off Route 66 in Tulsa is this treasure of a neon sign for Moody's Jewelry. Whether they're stars or diamonds, those glowing blue lights atop the marquee are hard to miss and have been catching the attention of passing motorists for generations.

Moody's has been a Tulsa institution since 1944, and its original Harvard Avenue location still features both a classic rooftop neon sign and a tall roadside pylon. Beautifully maintained, the colorful display remains one of the highlights of Tulsa's impressive collection of vintage neon and is well worth seeing after dark. 09-08

UPDATE: I stopped by a couple of months ago and was happy to see Moody's still going strong. The neon was glowing just as brightly as ever, proving that one of Tulsa's finest roadside treasures continues to shine for a new generation of travelers and photographers. 06-26