YWCA Sign (Gone)
Redford, MI Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
Here's an old YWCA building in Redford, MI still showing off its 1950s architecture. Between the clean lines, walls of glass, and classic roadside sign, it looks like a perfect snapshot of the era. 08-08
The building was designed by noted architect Minoru Yamasaki, years before he became famous for designing New York's World Trade Center. His modern style is easy to spot here, giving what could have been an ordinary community building a distinctive look.
It's always nice to find a mid-century building that still looks much the way it did when it was new. The old YWCA sign was the finishing touch and fit the architecture perfectly.
UPDATE: The building has been preserved and now serves as a school, but the vintage YWCA sign is no longer there. Fortunately, the architecture itself survives. 07-26
YWCA Building
Redford, MI Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
Roy Bennett Furniture (Closed)
Quincy, IN Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
The old Roy Bennett Furniture building in Quincy, IL still catches your eye with its faded ghost sign painted across the side. These old hand-painted advertisements have a way of surviving long after everything around them has changed. 09-08
Roy Bennett Furniture opened in 1914, and the downtown building became its home in 1930. A few years later, the large painted wall advertisement was added, becoming one of the most recognizable sights in downtown Quincy. It wasn't meant to last for generations, but that's exactly what happened.
For more than a century, generations of local families stopped here to furnish their homes. Through changing styles and changing times, the family-owned business remained a fixture downtown, eventually passing into its fifth generation of ownership.
Ghost signs like this are always worth slowing down for. They tell the story of an era when businesses advertised with little more than paint, a brick wall, and the hope that passing shoppers would remember the name. Unlike today's billboards, these old signs become part of the building itself.
Roy Bennett Furniture
Quincy, IN Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
UPDATE: Roy Bennett Furniture closed in 2024 after more than 110 years in business. Fortunately, the building and its classic ghost sign have both been preserved as plans move forward to redevelop the historic structure. 07-26
Super IGA Market (Gone)
Gary, IN Photo courtesy Kevin Heggi
Here's an old Super IGA Market in Gary, IN. The classic supermarket sign and low-slung building are the kind of neighborhood grocery store that used to be found in just about every town. 10-08
Known locally as Paul & Eddie's, this independent IGA served the Black Oak neighborhood for many years. Stores like this were more than just places to pick up groceries—they were where neighbors ran into each other and where everyone seemed to know the cashiers by name.
The building has all the hallmarks of a mid-century supermarket, from its broad storefront to its simple design. It's easy to imagine the parking lot full on a Saturday morning.
UPDATE: The grocery store has long since closed, and the familiar Super IGA Market sign is gone. The building still stands, but it sits vacant today. 07-26
Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E.) Lodge (Gone)
Van Wert, OH Photo courtesy Alan Culley
Van Wert, OH is home to this old Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E.) Lodge. What really catches your eye is the projecting marquee with its glowing F.O.E. neon lettering. It's the kind of sign that probably looked even better after dark. 02-09
The building served for many years as the home of Eagles Aerie #886, where members gathered for meetings, dinners, and community events. Like many fraternal organizations, it was an important part of local life for generations.
The marquee is what makes this place memorable. Instead of a simple wall sign, the neon projected out over the sidewalk, making sure no one missed it. Signs like this gave ordinary buildings a lot more personality.
UPDATE: The Eagles lodge has since closed, and the neon marquee is gone. Fortunately, the old brick building still stands, although it has been repurposed for another use. 07-26
YMCA
Detroit,
MI Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
Here's an old YMCA building in Detroit, MI. With its solid brick construction and classic architecture, it looks like the kind of neighborhood building that's been serving the community for generations. 07-09
At the time this photo was taken, the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit operated a network of branch locations throughout the area, and this was one of them. Buildings like this were more than just gyms. They offered recreation, youth programs, meeting rooms, and a place where generations of neighborhood families gathered.
Like many older YMCA buildings, this one was built with a style that was meant to inspire confidence. The brick exterior, large windows, and simple design gave it a permanent feel that's hard to find in newer construction. It doesn't need flashy architecture to make an impression.
Organizations like the YMCA have long been woven into communities across America. Whether someone came to work out, learn to swim, attend an event, or simply meet friends, buildings like this quietly became part of everyday life.
YMCA from across the street
Detroit, MI Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
UPDATE: Not sure if this particular YMCA building is still operating as a YMCA today. Without knowing the exact branch, it's difficult to confirm what became of the building. 07-26
YWCA Sign (Gone)
Super IGA Market (Gone)
Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E.) Lodge (Gone)
YMCA
Organizations like the YMCA have long been woven into communities across America. Whether someone came to work out, learn to swim, attend an event, or simply meet friends, buildings like this quietly became part of everyday life.
