ST. LOUIS — It’s a blast from the past at the corner of Delmar and 19th St. in Granite City. A reimagined storefront neon sign from popular businesses from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s is brought back to life at the city’s new neon sign park.
“We are just bringing a little piece of that history back to life,” Brenda Whitaker, the Granite City tourism director, told Fox 2 Thursday.
The project was put together by the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau, Illinois Tourism and Granite City in seven months.
“I think everyone is excited to see what this will bring to the downtown district,” Cory Jobe with the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau said.
The three signs featured are Hudson Jewelry, Reese Drug’s and Washington Theater.
“The old Washington Theater—I don’t remember that but I’m sure my mother does,” Todd Koenig said.
“This is all in an effort to prepare the state and communities for the 100th anniversary of Route 66,” Jobe explained.
In two years, Route 66 will celebrate its 100th anniversary and Whitaker hopes that celebration, along with the new park, will help revitalize the city.
“With embracing Route 66, we hope it helps not just our downtown but many downtowns,” Whitaker said.
