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Peacock Liquors (Closed)
Chicago, IL
Photo courtesy Tammy Terwelp

The glowing sign at Peacock Liquors is the kind of neighborhood neon that helped give Chicago its character. With its bold lettering and illuminated Old Style Beer emblem, it stood out along Montrose Avenue and was hard to miss after dark. 11-09

For years, Peacock Liquors operated as one of Chicago's classic "slashies"—part liquor store, part neighborhood tavern. It was the kind of place where customers could pick up a bottle to go or step into the bar for a drink.

The space-age styling of the sign made it every bit as memorable as the business itself. It's another great example of the colorful neon that once lined so many of Chicago's neighborhood business districts.

UPDATE: Peacock Liquors has closed, but the vintage neon sign still remains on the building. Hopefully it will continue to light up Montrose Avenue for years to come. 07-26

Prost Florist (Gone)
Chicago, IL
Photo courtesy Tammy Terwelp

Hanging over the sidewalk, the neon sign at Prost Florist was as colorful as the flowers inside. The glowing script and basket of blooms made it one of those classic neighborhood signs that couldn't help but brighten the street. 11-09

Founded in 1945, Prost Florist served Chicago for generations as a family-owned flower shop. The vintage marquee became just as much a part of the business as the arrangements it created for weddings, holidays, and everyday occasions.

When the shop eventually closed, the sign was thankfully given a second chance. Instead of disappearing, it was carefully restored and moved to the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati, where it can still be enjoyed by visitors.

UPDATE: Prost Florist is no longer in business, but its beautiful neon sign lives on at the American Sign Museum. It's always nice to see a classic sign find a new home. 07-26

Lansing Television (Gone)
Lansing, IL
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

There was a time when every town seemed to have a television repair shop, and Lansing Television was one of them. Back then, when a TV quit working, you fixed it instead of replacing it. 07-07

The bright script neon sign made the shop easy to spot along Ridge Road and gave the storefront plenty of character. Sitting on a unique triangular corner, it was a familiar landmark for years.

As technology changed, neighborhood TV repair shops gradually disappeared. Flat-screen televisions replaced the old console sets, repairs became less common, and businesses like this quietly faded away. Today the storefront is home to a barber shop, and the neon sign is gone.

UPDATE: Lansing Television has closed, the neon has been removed, and the building has found a new life with another business. 07-26