Stone Brothers Jewelers (Gone)
Alton, IL
Photo courtesy Dennis Dixson

This vintage marquee once welcomed customers to Stone Brothers Jewelers in downtown Alton, IL. Founded in 1960, the family-owned shop served the community for decades with fine jewelry, watches, repairs, and special gifts before eventually closing its doors. 01-06

Located along West 3rd Street in Alton's historic downtown business district, the store was one of the many independent jewelers that once lined Main Streets across America. By the time this photo was taken, the business had already closed, but the projecting marquee was still hanging over the sidewalk, quietly marking where generations of local customers had once shopped. It's a great reminder of an era when downtown jewelry stores were fixtures in nearly every community.

UPDATE: Stone Brothers Jewelers is gone, and the former storefront no longer operates as a jewelry store. Not sure if the old marquee is still hanging there today, but hopefully it managed to survive. 07-26

Senica's Appliances (Gone)
La Salle, IL
Photo courtesy Tony Craig

Here's the old sign at Senica's Appliances in La Salle, Illinois. Its vintage styling fit right in with the surrounding businesses, recalling the days when buying a refrigerator or washing machine meant visiting a local dealer with a distinctive sign out front. 03-06

The appliance store was one of several ventures associated with the Senica family, whose interests included heating and cooling, towing, farming, and development. Their projects extended to Senica's Oak Ridge Golf Club, part of a substantial development documented by the city in 1993. That's quite a range of businesses behind one familiar local name.

UPDATE: Senica's Appliances has closed, and its roadside sign has been removed. The store's operating dates and the sign's eventual destination remain unconfirmed. The Senica name continues elsewhere in the Illinois Valley, but this particular advertisement no longer points customers toward the appliance showroom. 07-26

McCarty Studio (Gone)
St Louis, MO
Photo courtesy Dennis Dixson

The McCarty Studio is still in business, though it appears that they have not maintained the sign. It looks like all the neon is gone. The camera looks a bit like an old Graflex Speed Graphic press camera. Many thanks to Dennis Dixson for info. 01-06

McCarty Studio remained in business for years after this photo, eventually relocating to Chesterfield while continuing as a multi-generational family photography company. The old storefront, however, was left behind, and with it went the distinctive camera sign that once stood as a landmark for passing motorists.

UPDATE: McCarty Photography is still going strong at its Chesterfield location, but the original St. Louis storefront and its one-of-a-kind camera sign are gone. It's a shame the sign wasn't preserved, as it was one of the more unique photography signs around. 07-26

Michigan News Agency (Closed)
Kalamazoo, MI
Photo courtesy Russ Havens

The streamlined neon sign at Michigan News Agency has been catching the attention of downtown Kalamazoo visitors for decades. The marquee proudly proclaims "Bringing the World to You Since '47," a fitting slogan for a shop that became a local institution. Just how old the sign itself is remains a bit of a mystery, but it certainly looks right at home on the building. 01-06

Founded in 1947, Michigan News Agency was the place to stop for newspapers, magazines, books, and just about anything to read. It remained a fixture in downtown Kalamazoo for nearly 80 years before closing in 2025 following the passing of longtime owner Dean Hauck. Fortunately, the building's new owners have recognized the importance of the iconic sign and have committed to preserving it as part of the property's future.

UPDATE: Although Michigan News Agency is now closed, the classic neon sign still survives on the building. It's nice to know this downtown landmark will remain even as the property begins its next chapter. 07-26

Albino's Meats (Gone)
Ashtabula, OH
Photo courtesy Tony Craig

The bright red pig on the sign at Albino's Meats was hard to miss. Pointing customers toward the front door, it was the kind of fun roadside advertising that gave neighborhood butcher shops a little extra personality. If you were driving down Lake Avenue, you knew exactly where to turn. 03-06

Albino's Meats opened in 1961 and served the Ashtabula community for decades before changing ownership and eventually becoming Reese's Meat and Deli, and later Acitelli's Meats & Deli. While the business evolved over the years, the classic pig sign unfortunately did not.

UPDATE: The original Albino's Meats is gone, and the famous red pig marquee has disappeared as well. Not sure what became of it, but it's another memorable roadside sign that's no longer around. 07-26