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You Haven't Seen The Light

The History of Neon in Philadelphia


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Published: Apr 7, 2009

Apart from illuminating our favorite liquor stores and stripper joints, neon signs never seem to get the recognition they deserve. Len Davidson, curator of the Neon Museum of Philadelphia and author of Vintage Neon, thinks that's a shame. He fancies them so much that he frequently stops on the side of the road to take in all the lit-up signage that the rest of us, hurrying to and fro, don't notice.

From the tiny, buzzing "OPEN" sign on a South Street deli to the massive green-and-red tractor illuminating the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Davidson thinks Philly is a neon lover's heaven. "I grew up in Philadelphia looking at these signs and always seemed to have a fascination with them," he says. "I started collecting photos of signs later on, and I think because I was a sociologist, became fascinated by the culture of the thing."

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After scouring Florida, New Orleans and Philly for 20 years, Davidson now owns more than 100 neon pieces, which he'll feature at his slideshow and discussion. He hopes that his talk will foster interest in his new project — creating a sign district that includes Arch, 12th and Broad streets. It would feature the best neon art from local businesses in the area, and would thereby encourage shops without glowing doorways to add them to their décor. "I realize that what I see as treasure other people certainly see as trash," he says. "But I think if something like this were created, people would be able to appreciate the beauty of these signs ... and the history that they hold."

Wed., April 15, 6 p.m., free, Historical Society of Philadelphia, 1300 Locust St., 215-732-6200, www.hsp.org.