This is section 3 (final section) in this article, click HERE to start at the beginning.
Mansfield is an eclectic town located next to one of the most beautiful forests in the state. After World War II, the town experienced a boom in both industry and population, but by the 1970s, both began to decline. A variety of signs in the town harken back to this bygone era.
City News (Suzy’s Smoke Room)
100 N. Main St.
Coney Island Diner, 98 N. Main St.
Sunset Drive-In (now the Springmill Drive-In)
1040 Ohio 39
Bissman & Co. (No longer exists)
193 N. Main St.
Shawshank Trail
Speaking of signs, while in Mansfield, follow the Shawhsank Trail signs to see (and photograph) various filming locations of the Shawshank Redemption movie, including the Ohio State Reformatory.
This article only begins to scratch the surface when it comes to visiting and photographing historic signs in Ohio. All you have to do is travel along a back road, including state routes like 66, 49, 48, 47 and U.S. routes 127, 36 and 68, among others, and, instead of passing through each small town, take time to stop and look around. Chances are there will be more than one vintage sign to see. But, act quickly, as some may not be there much longer.
Buffalo Jacks, 137 S. High St., Covington
Dixie Twin Drive-In, 6201 N. Dixie Dr., Dayton
Van Wert Inn (no longer exists)
820 N. Washington St., Van Wert
Foys Halloween & Variety Store
18 E. Main St., Fairborn
Henry County Fairgrounds
821 S. Perry St., Napoleon
The Lead Shed, 123 S. Fulton St., Wauseon
North Star Auto Sales & Service & Old Liquor Store in North Star
Both of these signs are now gone on U.S. Route 127
Shelby IGA in Shelby (No longer exists)
Click HERE to start at the beginning...
(We'll add more in the future)