Googie Star
I was up in Lakeland today, and as I drove through downtown, I saw this star. I remember seeing it as a kid, all lit up in neon over top of a car dealer's lot. I have no idea how old it is, or if it even still works, but I was pretty surprised to see it was still there. As far as I know, this is the only piece of Googie architecture in the city of Lakeland. Is it really Googie, though? It's not really architecture, since it's just an eye-catching sign. I'll have to consult the rulebook.
I am not an archeteture expert either, but this is definately googie.
ReplyDeleteThese signs are called "rotospheres". When working, the spun in three directions: the sign itself on the pole and also the sphere at the center counter-rotates. Can you tell me approximately where this sign is located in Lakeland?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. I had no idea about the sign. If I remember, it's on Main Street, somewhere to the west of Ingraham. I think it used to be a Cadillac dealer, but it wasn't when I took the picture. It's on the South side of the road, and it's before you get to Lake Mirror. Good luck finding it!
ReplyDeleteGood news! I spoke with the owners at Jenkins Lincoln-Mercury and this sign is in the shop right now being restored.
ReplyDeleteYou must be really serious about this thing. Were you trying to buy the sign or something? I'll have to get up there and shoot it one night after it's done.
ReplyDeleteNope, I wasn't looking to buy it -- just very "into" signs and other roadside stuff. I'm writing an article about these particular signs and have put together a little webpage if you're interested in knowing more about them:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.agilitynut.com/sca/roto.html
Please let me know when you take some new photos of them - I'd love to include them at the webpage & will definitely give you credit.
Here it is all brand spanky new (an article with video):
ReplyDeletehttp://www.theledger.com/article/20070811/NEWS/708110470/1039
Thanks for the update, Agilitynut! I drove by the sign yesterday and shot a new picture. Now if I can just make it up there at night... And congrats on being mentioned in the Ledger article. :)
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