One of the great things about visiting historic towns and traveling the back roads (which used to be main roads) in Ohio is the abundance of vintage signs you encounter. From long-standing restaurants and grocery stores to hotels, movie theaters, and furniture stores, the following guide leads to 16 destinations in the state where one-of-a-kind historic and retro signs, some dating back half a century or more, can be seen and photographed. This includes towns with several clusters of signs—some located right here in our own backyard.
However, as you’re about to see, many of these signs (and the businesses they belong to) are being lost to time. In the short time it took to collect the photographs featured in this article, five signs were removed, and several of the businesses they belonged to were completely demolished. Other places (and signs) look like they may not last much longer.
So, if you’re a photographer interested in preserving this kind of Americana, the following locations and signs are completely unique and fun to shoot. Plus, the towns (and restaurants) they’re located in are great to visit, regardless of the signs.
At one time, before modern highways took over, Ohio Route 49 and, even more so, U.S. 127, were major roads that were traveled for business and pleasure. Greenville still retains a variety of signage from this nostalgic era, maybe as much as any other town in Ohio. But, just like other places on this list, they are starting to disappear…
Darke County Fairgrounds Sign, 800 Sweitzer St. (Rt. 49)
LEFT: Fairlawn Steak House (No longer exists)
RIGHT: Stardust Motel, 5436 Ohio Route 49
Vint’s Family Restaurant
1226 Sweitzer St. (Rt. 49)
Eikenberry’s IGA
1120 Sweitzer St. (Rt. 49)
The Super Baker lighted sign (seen at left) is on the side of the building.
Boyd Cleaners, 501 E. Main St.
Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe, 125 N Broadway St.
(Some of the world-famous "gum wall" can be seen here as well)
Treaty Lanes (No longer exists)
Although not as old or plentiful as Greenville, Troy, too, has a number of vintage signs in the historic district, with maybe none being more popular than the K’s Hamburgers sign, especially when it’s lit up at night. Others are more modern touches added to parks in the community.
K’s Hamburgers, 117 E. Main St.
A new, yet vintage, Troy sign at Smith's Boathouse Restaurant at Treasure Island, 439 N. Elm St.
More of Treasure Island Park, including its vintage signage and attractions.
Redmen’s Lodge, 103 E. Main St., including in the background of this picture from Troy's Grand Illumination event in November.
To see Tipp City, Sidney and More