Archive of 26 original mid-Atlantic roadside alert signs with advertisements, circa 1930s-1940s

N.p.: N.p., 1940. Archive of 26 vintage photographs of mid-Atlantic roadside alert signs with advertisements, circa 1930s-1940s. Includes 21 double weight photographs and two matte-finish. Three photographs bear annotations in manuscript pencil on the verso.

The collection contains thirteen photographs of alert signs advertising Champion spark plugs, seven advertising hotels (the Biltmore in Dayton, Hotel Sinton in Cincinnati, Hotel Adelphia in Philadelphia, Hotel Schenley in Pittsburgh, Hotel Webster Hall in Detroit, and two for Hotel Elizabeth Carteret in Elizabeth, New Jersey), three advertising radio stations (WJW and WADC of Akron and WSPD of Toledo), and three for various automobile and travel-related businesses.

Ostensibly designed to warn drivers of forthcoming crossroads, turns, or junctions, the roadside alert signs presented here were perhaps more effective for the prime advertising real estate of their plinths. The circular "alert" section, containing text or symbols of approaching traffic changes and usually containing a center piece of reflective glass, was mounted to a large freestanding base, used for advertising automobile products, radio stations, local businesses, and travel locations.

8 x 10 inches. Very Good plus to Near Fine, with some light edgewear overall, and several with even fading.