According to www.happy-anniversary.com, diamonds represent the traditional gift for couples who are celebrating their 60th anniversary. Undoubtedly, this rare milestone deserves a beautiful, distinctive remembrance. And, while some women presumably believe diamonds are a girl’s best friend, many others would prefer a gift that truly came from her husband’s heart. And, in this case, her husband’s hands. Donald Mace, who’s both operated an eponymous signshop and been betrothed to his wife, Suzanne, for more than 60 years, bestowed such a heartfelt gift to his spouse.
Mace began his signmaking career in 1952, one year after high-school graduation, working for Chester Thomas Signs in Pottstown, PA, a Philadelphia suburb. In 1953, he was drafted into the military, and served during the Korean War. Even his military service provided opportunities to hone his craft – Donald painted the walls of his company’s tanks with the regimental crest.
Two years later, he went to work for John Brent, who had subsequently purchased Thomas’ business. A few months later, Mace accepted Brent’s offer to buy the business, and Don Mace Signs was born in Pottstown. Mace’s business evolved to include banners, carved-wood signage, and various other environmental graphics. Mace continues to ply his trade on a part-time basis, and helped his son, Donald Jr., forge a career path – he now works as a partner in an electric-sign business in the Philadelphia area. Donald’s grandson also works in the family business, which makes the industry a third-generation enterprise. Such multi-generational, sign-industry involvement provides the bedrock of the business.
For his present to Suzanne, Donald lovingly handcarved the sign from basswood. Over several years, while Donald and Suzanne were on their annual summer vacations, he spent time on each trip gradually and intricately carving the sign. Don Jr. used a CNC router to form the sign panel, and Donald Sr. rendered the letters with 23k goldleaf. Beginning this year, Mace started forming the sign’s fine detail with a wood-burning tool with a fine tip. The eagle perched atop the sign embodies the mace that stands atop the crest of the U.S. House of Representatives, and stands as an iconic symbol on a cylindrical, green-marble pedestal that stands to the right of the Speaker of the House’s chair.
The significance of the marital milestone Donald has achieved with Suzanne isn’t lost on him. He said, “A funeral director in our area, for whom I’ve manufactured signs, keeps statistics for more than 6,600 married couples in the area; fewer than two dozen have been married more than 60 years. Only two couples from my graduating classes have been married 60 years. The greatest blessing in my life is 60 years of marriage to such a wonderful wife.”