Warshawsky Mufflers (Gone)
Rockford, IL
Photos courtesy Kelly Sullivan

Here are a couple of photos of Warshawsky Muffler in Rockford, IL. The shop's friendly cartoon muffler hanging from the side of the building made it almost impossible to drive by without smiling. It's not every day you see a muffler waving hello. 09-10

The family-owned business spent more than 70 years repairing mufflers, exhaust systems, and trailer hitches. While the work brought customers in, it was the building itself that made the shop memorable. Painted cartoon mufflers and exhaust pipes stretched along the exterior walls, giving the place a sense of humor that fit right in with old roadside America.

It's always fun when a business puts a little personality into its sign instead of settling for a plain logo. The smiling muffler did exactly what a good roadside sign should do—it caught your attention and made you remember the place.

Unfortunately, the shop became part of a downtown redevelopment project. After a lengthy eminent domain process, the property was acquired by the city and the building was eventually demolished.

UPDATE: Warshawsky Mufflers is gone today, and the cartoon muffler sign disappeared along with the building. The site has since been redeveloped for municipal parking and public art. 07-26