Dr. Pierce's Favorite Prescription
Logan, UT Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
Once upon a time, advertising on old barn buildings was popular and prevalent. Meramec Caverns in Missouri is probably one of the best-known examples, but here's one from Utah for Dr. Pierce's Favorite Prescription.
What is attention catching here is the large painted advertisement covering the side of the barn. Signs like this were once a common sight along America's roads, but most have long since disappeared. That's one reason I enjoy coming across survivors like this one.
The faded lettering and weathered barn make for a great reminder of a time when advertisers looked beyond billboards and used whatever space they could find to get their message out to passing travelers. 10-06
UPDATE: The barn and its painted Dr. Pierce's Favorite Prescription advertisement still survive today. Preservation efforts over the years have helped keep this Cache Valley landmark standing, making it one of the best-known surviving examples of historic barn advertising in Utah. 06-26
(Right) A close-up look at the barn and its advertising
Rushmer Building
Ogden, UT Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
Not sure what the Rushmer Building stands for, but it's an old building located in Ogden, Utah.
What is attention catching here is the name stretching across the front of the building. It's one of those signs that makes you wonder about the story behind it and who Rushmer was. The building itself has a vintage look that fits right in with the older commercial buildings found along Washington Boulevard.
Sometimes it's the buildings you know the least about that catch your eye. The Rushmer Building was one of those places for me, and the old lettering was enough to make me stop for a photo. 10-06
UPDATE: The Rushmer Building still stands in downtown Ogden and remains an active part of the city's historic business district. The building has been repurposed over the years, but many of its distinctive mid-century architectural features remain intact, allowing it to continue serving as a recognizable downtown landmark. 06-26
Rambolis
Twin Falls, ID Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
Welcome to the Alamo. Hmm... where's Davy Crockett?
Oh wait, this is not Texas. The Rambolis building in Twin Falls has a facade that looks a lot like the famous mission in San Antonio.
What is attention catching here is the shape of the building itself. The curved parapet and old mission-style front make you do a double take, especially when you realize you're standing in Idaho and not anywhere near Texas. It's one of those oddball roadside buildings that doesn't really need a big sign to get your attention.
I couldn't find much current information on Rambolis, so the building's later history and current status remain unclear. Still, the Alamo-style facade made this one worth documenting. 10-06
UPDATE: The current status of the former Rambolis building could not be verified. It is unclear whether the original facade or signage still survives today. 06-26
Main Drag
Pocatello, ID Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
Here are a couple of street scenes from two old Idaho towns. Pocatello and Burley both have downtown areas that are worth slowing down and exploring.
What is attention catching here isn't any one particular sign or building. It's the collection of old storefronts, brick buildings, and roadside details that have managed to survive over the years. Places like these remind me why I enjoy wandering through older downtown districts.
Old Buildings
Burley, ID Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
Some towns have lost much of their historic character, while others still retain enough of it to give you a feel for what the streets may have looked like decades ago. Pocatello and Burley both offered plenty to see if you were willing to take a walk and look around. 10-06
Dr. Pierce's Favorite Prescription
UPDATE
Rushmer Building
Rambolis
Main Drag
Old Buildings
