Dave's Bar (Gone)
Chesaning, MI Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
Here's an old neighborhood bar from downtown Chesaning, Michigan. Dave's Bar featured a classic projecting sign with vertical neon lettering that still stood out, even during the day. It's the kind of sign that didn't need to be lit to catch your attention. 12-08
The bar had been part of downtown for many years and passed through several generations of the same family. Before becoming Dave's Bar, it was known as Bob's Bar, and even earlier it operated as Tom's Bar. The changing names reflected the family behind the business while the location remained a familiar gathering place.
The vintage sign fit the building perfectly and gave the storefront plenty of character. Signs like this were once common in small downtowns, but they're becoming harder to find every year.
UPDATE: Dave's Bar has closed, and the building has been renovated into McFarlan's Pub. The old neon sign is gone, but the building continues to serve as a neighborhood gathering place. 07-26
(Right) A closer look at the sign for Dave's Bar and the neon lettering
Barringer's Tavern
Indianapolis, IN Photo and info courtesy Alan Culley
Indianapolis is home to this eye-catching sign outside Barringer's Tavern on South Meridian Street. The combination of bright colors and glowing neon makes it hard to miss, and it's the kind of sign that looks right at home on an old neighborhood tavern. 01-09
Barringer's has been around since 1879, making it one of the oldest taverns in Indianapolis. In its early days, it sat at the end of the city's southbound streetcar line, earning a reputation as the "last chance" stop before riders headed out of town. During Prohibition the tavern stayed in business by serving food, sweets, and ice cream until it could once again pour drinks.
The old sign is a perfect match for the building. It's easy to imagine how inviting it must have looked when the neon first lit up the street. Fortunately, both the sign and the building have survived while so many others have disappeared over the years.
UPDATE: Barringer's Tavern was brought back to life after sitting vacant for several years and reopened in 2019. The historic building and vintage sign are both still welcoming customers today. 07-26
Jerry's Old South Tavern (Gone)
Van Wert, OH Photo and info courtesy Alan Culley
This sign for Jerry's Old South Tavern really stands out with its bright red paint and what appears to be neon lettering. It's the kind of sign that's hard to miss while driving through downtown Van Wert. Better yet, the tavern was even open on Sundays when this photo was taken. 02-09
Jerry's had been a downtown gathering place for many years, serving cold drinks and simple tavern food to locals and visitors alike. Over time the business became known simply as The Old South, but the old sign remained one of its most recognizable features.
The bold colors and classic design gave the building plenty of character and made it a great roadside stop. Even without a giant marquee, signs like this always seem to leave a lasting impression.
UPDATE: The Old South permanently closed in May 2024, and the vintage roadside sign has since been removed. 07-26
Silver Dollar Lounge (Gone)
Cambridge City, IN Photo and info courtesy Alan Culley
The Silver Dollar Lounge in Cambridge City, Indiana had a bright old sign with one unusual looking arrow. Instead of pointing straight toward the door, this one curled and snaked its way across the sign, giving it a little extra personality. 03-09
The lounge was located along Main Street in an old downtown storefront that had seen plenty of use over the years. Like a lot of small town taverns, the Silver Dollar didn't need a fancy building to stand out. The sign did most of the work.
That snaking arrow is what really makes this one fun. It gave the sign some movement and made sure passing motorists knew exactly where to look. Too bad more signs don't have that kind of playful touch anymore.
UPDATE: The Silver Dollar Lounge has closed, and the building has since been remodeled for a new restaurant. The old arrow sign has been removed. 07-26
Fred's Bar
Burlington, WI Photo courtesy Chibbqking
If you're driving through Burlington, Wisconsin, it's hard not to notice Fred's Bar. The building features a fun neon character happily eating a hamburger, making it one of those roadside signs that's guaranteed to get your attention. Add in the claim of serving the "World's Best Burger," and it's easy to see why people stop in. 05-09
Fred's started out as a neighborhood tavern before becoming well known for its burgers. Over the years, the food has become just as much of an attraction as the sign out front. One interesting touch is the ordering system, where customers fill out their own order card before taking it to the bar.
Of course, it's that neon burger-loving character that steals the show. Signs with a little humor and personality always seem to stand out, and this one fits the restaurant perfectly.
UPDATE: Fred's is still serving up burgers, and the neon sign continues to welcome hungry visitors to Burlington. 07-26
Ogle's Inn (Rem.)
South Bend, IN Photo and info courtesy Alan Culley
The Ogle's Inn sits right across from the courthouse in downtown La Porte, Indiana. The old neon sign has been catching the attention of passersby for years, although the owner mentioned it was in need of repair when this photo was taken. Hopefully the neon could be saved. 05-09
The tavern has been a longtime neighborhood stop and occupies a great location overlooking the courthouse square. It's the kind of place where an old sign fits the building perfectly and adds a little extra character to the downtown streetscape.
Even needing some repairs, the sign was still worth stopping to photograph. It's always nice when owners make an effort to preserve these old pieces of roadside history instead of replacing them with something modern.
UPDATE: Ogle's Inn is still open and serving customers. The neon sign is no longer above the door. 07-26
Dave's Bar (Gone)
Silver Dollar Lounge (Gone)
Fred's Bar
Ogle's Inn (Rem.)
