Signs of the Times

January 1907 Issue’s “Photographic Sign Contest”

The tradition dates back farther than previously thought.

Published

3 months ago

January 22, 2024

Signs of the Times Staff Signs of the Times January 2024 Issue

Tradition, Tradition!

SIGNS OF THE TIMES readers might be familiar with our annual sign contest, but the tradition seems to go back farther than previously thought. The January 1907 issue from the Public Library of Cincinnati and American Sign Museum’s historical online archive published sign entries in a “photographic contest” — as well as business profiles, early sign products and patents for the latest innovations in signmaking, such as illuminated letters. Delve into the issue and archive at signsofthetimes.com/archive.

Sign IllustraTed
This cover featured a portrait of Egbert Reynolds Dull, who rose from an orphanage to become one of the most recognized names in electric advertising, framed by meticulously hand-drawn illustrations.
Record of Longevity
With 32 pages priced at 10 cents, the monthly magazine for signpainters, sign carvers and electric, glass and metal signmakers would enjoy a long life.

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