Petey's Bungalow (Gone)
Oak Lawn, IL
Photo courtesy Bruce R. Cassi / 1999

Petey's Bungalow Lounge opened around 1960 and serves up some pretty big steaks. The drinks are known to be strong too. Many thanks to Bruce R. Cassi for info. 04-07

Petey's Bungalow in Oak Lawn, IL, was one of those neighborhood supper clubs that seemed like it had always been there. Housed in a converted bungalow, the place was easy to spot thanks to its classic neon sign. Inside, it was known for big steaks, strong drinks, and an old-school atmosphere that kept people coming back for generations.

Opened in 1961 by Petey and Mary Kattos, the restaurant became an Oak Lawn favorite by sticking with what it did best. It never tried to be trendy, and that's exactly why so many people loved it.

Sadly, Petey's Bungalow closed in October 2024 after more than 60 years when Petey retired. The restaurant may be gone, but it's hard not to wonder what will become of that great old neon sign.

UPDATE: The building remains vacant, and there are no confirmed redevelopment plans. The Chicago Sign Museum has expressed interest in preserving the sign, but its current status isn't known. 07-26

Garden Cleaners (Rem.)
Evergreen Park, IL
Photo courtesy Bruce R. Cassi / 2007

Garden Cleaners has been located on 95th Street in Evergreen Park for well over 45 years. This classic sweeping arrow sign was created by the Flashtric Sign Company in Chicago. Around 1996, a new owner took over and had the sign repaired so all 170 light bulbs would light up. In 2007, it is one of only five neon signs that remain in the village. Many thanks to Bruce R. Cassi for info. 04-07

The business is still going strong today, now operating as New Garden Cleaners, and the iconic sign remains out front. It's a great reminder of the days when even a neighborhood dry cleaner had a sign that was designed to stop traffic.

UPDATE: The business remains open as New Garden Cleaners, and the vintage Flashtric sign was removed sometime prior to 2011. Another gem of a neon sign is gone from the American roadside. 07-26

1 Hour Service (Gone)
Marion, IN
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

1 Hour Service was one of those simple neon window signs that used to be a common sight at neighborhood dry cleaners. Located at the corner of 6th and Washington Streets in Marion, IN, it promised "1 Hour Service" at no extra charge. By the time this photo was taken, though, the neon had already gone dark. 06-07

The sign remained in the window for years after it stopped lighting, serving as a reminder of an earlier era when bright neon helped bring customers through the door. Sometimes even a small window sign can become part of the streetscape.

UPDATE: The neon sign has since been removed. Not sure what became of it, but it's another piece of roadside Americana that's sadly disappeared. 07-26

Kmart (Gone)
Marion, IN
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

Kmart in Marion, IN, once welcomed shoppers with a classic neon sign that lit up the street along 16th Street and the Bypass. Before plastic lighted signs took over, this simple neon logo was a familiar sight for anyone heading through town. By the time this photo was taken, though, the sign had already gone dark. 06-07

Like a lot of old Kmart stores, this one left behind plenty of memories. Locals still remember shopping here, grabbing a bite from the deli, and even working here. It's proof that sometimes the most ordinary places end up meaning the most.

UPDATE: The neon sign is gone, and the old Kmart has long since been replaced by Dunham's Sports. The sign may be gone, but plenty of Marion residents still remember it. 07-26

Shoe City (Gone)
Marion, IN
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

Shoe City added a splash of color to downtown Marion with its bright red neon sign. It wasn't the biggest sign in town, but the glowing red letters made it hard to miss. Like so many storefronts of the era, it gave the business a little extra personality. 06-07

The family-owned shoe store was a longtime downtown fixture, helping generations of Marion residents find everything from school shoes to work boots. Sadly, the neon sign has since disappeared, joining the growing list of lost signs that once lit up the city's streets.

UPDATE: The original Shoe City is gone, and the downtown building has been repurposed. The red neon sign has been removed and is no longer part of the streetscape. 07-26

Wellers Cleaners (Gone)
Marion, IN
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

Wellers Cleaners was another neighborhood business that let its neon do the talking. The window sign proudly advertised "One Hour Service," a big selling point back when waiting several days for dry cleaning was the norm. By the time this photo was taken, the sign had already seen better days. 06-07

Like many small-town cleaners, Wellers eventually faded away, and so did its neon. It's a reminder of a time when even everyday businesses invested in signs that caught your eye and brightened up the street.

UPDATE: The business is long gone, and the neon sign has been removed. Another classic piece of Marion's roadside history has quietly disappeared. 07-26