Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Seattle, WA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
It's hard to imagine driving through Seattle without noticing the giant Seattle Post-Intelligencer globe. Rising high above Elliott Avenue, the spinning globe, bright neon, and familiar "It's in the P-I" slogan made it one of the city's best-known landmarks. Photo date: 05-09
The globe first began turning in 1948 and quickly became as much a part of Seattle as the Space Needle or Pike Place Market. When the newspaper moved its headquarters in 1986, the globe moved as well, continuing to greet commuters, visitors, and anyone passing along the waterfront. It wasn't just a sign for a newspaper. It became one of those landmarks that helped define the city.
The sign was especially impressive after dark. The glowing neon and slowly rotating globe could be seen from quite a distance, making it one of Seattle's most recognizable nighttime sights. Even people who never picked up a copy of the newspaper knew exactly what the globe represented.
Not long after this photo was taken, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer stopped printing its daily newspaper and became an online publication. Although the presses fell silent, the famous globe remained as a reminder of an era when the morning paper was still part of everyday life.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Seattle, WA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The globe no longer spins today, but it remains one of Seattle's great neon landmarks and one of the city's most recognizable roadside icons.
UPDATE: The P-I globe remains in place, although it no longer spins and is awaiting restoration. 07-26
Roosevelt Hotel (Closed)
Seattle, WA Photo courtesy Scott Strickland
Some signs become landmarks all on their own, and the Roosevelt Hotel rooftop neon is one of Seattle's best. Glowing high above downtown, the bright red letters have been catching the eyes of locals and visitors since the late 1920s. Photo date: 08-09
The Roosevelt Hotel opened in 1929 as Seattle's tallest hotel, and its rooftop sign soon became part of the city's skyline. For years it was promoted as one of the largest neon signs in the world, making it hard to miss whether you were walking downtown or driving through the city.
Today the building is known as Hotel Theodore, but the familiar "ROOSEVELT" sign still crowns the roof. Even with Seattle's growing skyline, it's one of those classic neon landmarks that continues to remind people of the city's earlier days.
UPDATE: The building now operates as Hotel Theodore, while the historic Roosevelt rooftop sign continues to shine over downtown Seattle. 07-26
Vance Motor Hotel (Gone)
Seattle, WA Photo courtesy Scott Strickland
Downtown Seattle has changed quite a bit over the years, but this photo captures a piece of its skyline that has since disappeared. The Vance Motor Hotel rooftop sign once stood high above Stewart Street, welcoming travelers with a classic neon glow. Photo date: 08-09
The hotel opened in 1926 and became a familiar sight for visitors arriving in the city. Its large rooftop sign could be spotted from blocks away, making it one of those landmarks that helped define downtown Seattle before glass towers filled the skyline.
Today the building operates as Hotel Max after an extensive renovation. While the historic hotel remains, the vintage rooftop neon is gone, replaced by modern signage that lacks the same larger-than-life presence. It's another reminder of how quickly a city's skyline can change.
UPDATE: The former Vance Motor Hotel continues to operate as Hotel Max, but the iconic rooftop neon sign no longer survives. 07-26
Helen's Children's Wear
Barnaby, BC
Photo courtesy Bill Jackson
One of Burnaby's best-known neon landmarks is the Helen's Children's Wear swinging girl. Originally built in the 1950s for a children's clothing store on Hastings Street, the animated sign became a favorite with generations of shoppers. Photo date: 07-09
The store closed in 2006, but the sign was too special to lose. After a careful restoration, the lettering was changed to read "Heights" in honor of the Burnaby Heights neighborhood, while the famous swinging girl was preserved.
The business may be gone, but the sign still does what it has done for decades: catch your eye and bring a little motion and color to the street.
UPDATE: The restored swinging girl sign continues to light up Burnaby Heights as one of the city's most treasured neon landmarks. 07-26
Helen's Children's Wear
