Preserving the Neon Glow of Tinseltown’s Icons
Step out onto the streets of Hollywood, and you’ll be struck by a kaleidoscopic display that harkens back to the golden age of cinema. Towering above the bustling crowds, the iconic Hollywood Sign stands as a monument to the city’s enduring legacy, its stark white letters a beacon against the inky night sky. But look closer, and you’ll see that the true magic lies in the mesmerizing glow of neon that illuminates countless other landmarks throughout the area.
From the laughing Buddha atop a Chinatown storefront to the vintage marquee of the Frolic Room cocktail bar, these dazzling displays aren’t just aesthetic flourishes – they’re living testimonies to Hollywood’s rich cultural history. And at the forefront of preserving this neon legacy is a dedicated team of electrical experts, working tirelessly to ensure these iconic signs continue to captivate and enchant for generations to come.
Neon’s Heyday: The Birth of a California Icon
To understand the significance of these neon-lit landmarks, we have to rewind the clock to the 1920s, when Los Angeles was experiencing a seismic shift. As the budding film industry took root in Hollywood, businesses throughout the city began vying for the attention of moviegoers and starlets alike. And what better way to stand out than with the mesmerizing glow of neon?
“Los Angeles became the birthplace of American neon in 1923,” explains Eric Lynxwiler, a longtime guide with the Museum of Neon Art. “Car dealer Earl C. Anthony imported a pair of neon signs from Paris, and the rest, as they say, is history.” These crisp, vibrant lights quite literally stopped traffic, and soon every business that wanted to be perceived as modern had to invest in a neon sign.
The rise of neon coincided with the golden age of Hollywood, and the city’s iconic landmarks began to take on a whole new life after dark. The Helms Bakery Complex in Culver City, for instance, proudly displayed its “Helms Olympic Bread” sign, a nod to the bakery’s status as the official bread supplier for the 1932 Olympic Games. Meanwhile, the Canters Deli in Hollywood lured late-night revelers with its striking Art Deco neon marquee, spelling out “Open All Night” in glowing green and yellow letters.
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Turning Back the Neon Clock
But as with many trends, the allure of neon eventually began to fade. By the 1970s, the high cost of maintaining these energy-hungry signs, coupled with the rise of cheaper backlit plastic options, led many businesses to abandon their neon displays. And in the process, a significant piece of Hollywood’s history began to disappear.
Fortunately, a resurgence of interest in the art form during the 1980s helped to preserve some of these iconic signs. “On Melrose Avenue, shop owners started bringing neon back, employing traditional neon sign makers to enliven their storefronts,” Lynxwiler recounts. This grassroots effort caught the attention of artists Lili Lakich and Richard Jenkins, who founded the Museum of Neon Art in 1981 with the express purpose of promoting the preservation of historic signage and advancing the neon art form.
Today, the museum’s mission is more crucial than ever. As real estate development and gentrification continue to reshape the Hollywood landscape, many of the area’s beloved neon landmarks face an uncertain future. But the museum’s team of dedicated electricians and preservationists are working tirelessly to ensure these icons of California culture continue to shine.
Illuminating the Classics: Electrical Preservation in Action
Step aboard the Museum of Neon Art’s Neon Cruise, and you’ll be treated to a dazzling tour of Hollywood’s most iconic neon landmarks. As your double-decker bus winds its way through the bustling streets, the guide’s knowledgeable commentary brings each sign to life, revealing the fascinating stories behind these electrical marvels.
Take, for instance, the laughing Buddha atop the KG Louie Co. storefront in Chinatown. This animated neon figure, which has been slapping its thighs with glee for over 80 years, is one of the oldest figural neon signs still in operation in the city. “He’s among the oldest left in place,” Lynxwiler proudly declares. “That little blue laughing deity can always make me smile.”
Or consider the Frolic Room cocktail bar, a dive bar immortalized in the film L.A. Confidential. Its vintage neon sign, with its beautifully crafted “F” and “R” letters, is a testament to the artistry that defined the golden age of neon. “Text can be art,” Lynxwiler enthuses, “and the Frolic Room sign is a prime example.”
The team at the Museum of Neon Art understands that preserving these landmarks requires more than just a surface-level restoration. It’s about delving into the intricate electrical systems that bring these signs to life, ensuring that the dazzling glow that captivated audiences decades ago continues to captivate today.
Safeguarding the Future: Electrical Innovations in Neon Preservation
As the Museum of Neon Art prepares to move to a larger, more permanent space in Glendale, the team is excited to unveil a host of new features that will cement their status as the world’s premier destination for neon preservation.
“Visitors can expect to see a neon fabricating facility, a glass furnace that shows how neon tubes were originally made by hand, and exhibits of vintage neon signs,” explains executive director Kim Koga. “But the real showstopper will be our interactive displays covering the early era of electricity.”
These cutting-edge exhibits will delve into the intricate electrical systems that power these iconic signs, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the specialized skills and knowledge required to keep them shining. From the delicate task of rewiring aging neon tubes to the challenge of adapting these vintage systems to modern electrical standards, the museum’s team of experts will share their hard-won insights, ensuring that the next generation of electricians is equipped to carry on this vital work.
And as the museum’s influence grows, so too does its impact on the preservation of Hollywood’s cultural landmarks. By partnering with local businesses and property owners, the team is working to safeguard the future of these neon icons, ensuring that the vibrant glow that has captivated audiences for generations will continue to illuminate the streets of Tinseltown for years to come.
So the next time you find yourself strolling through the heart of Hollywood, take a moment to bask in the neon glow of these timeless landmarks. For these are not just signs – they’re living, breathing testaments to the enduring spirit of a city that has always dared to shine a little brighter than the rest.
