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AT HOME IN TACOMA
A blog about all the little things that make Tacoma home.

Neon Signage In Tacoma: A Photoblog

  • By Sharon Benson
  • •
  • 18 Oct, 2019
  • •

Neon signs found their origins in 1910 – exhibited by Georges Claude at the Paris Motor Show – functioning as a mashup of art and science. The beauty of the neon gas being directed through molded glass, becoming brilliantly luminescent in whatever shape you wish, was almost immediately adopted by anyone who wished to draw people to their business.

Stadium District's Ball Auto Service sign shows features a lovely cursive script and a hanging arrow.

In America, neon signs found their glory days from the '20s through the '60s, at a time when cities were becoming increasingly metropolitan, transportation was more readily available, and nightlife was hitting its stride. Any old sign would have been missed by the after hours crowd, so the tantalizing glow of neon served as a beacon to lure the night owls.

As for Tacoma, the ghosts of the city's past mix so fascinatingly with its new landscape – the classic architecture, the fading signs painted onto brick walls and, yes, the neon. We have so many favorite signs around town, some of which are new, and some of which have weathered decades of Tacoma rain. Here are just a few that we love.

The iconic Park Way Tavern sign hangs proudly above the entry of the much-loved neighborhood bar.
A well-designed and classy sign hangs from the corner of the Merlino Arts Center.
South Tacoma Way's Harkness Furniture features a beautifully designed neon with two swooping arrows.
Fife's Daffodil Motel has a beautifully designed sign that is a perfect example of America's 1950's roadside tradition.
"TIME TO STOP" exclaims the sign on East Tacoma's U Betcha Pub.
King's Books elegant sign features a unique combination of brown and yellow.
Local chocolatier Brown and Haley's Dome District factory touts a sign that fittingly highlights their most famous product.
The Lincoln District is home to the Flying Boots Tavern. Their fun sign features a winged cowboy boot with a golden spur.
Above South Tacoma Way's Lucky Silver hangs a Country Western-inspired sign with a spur and horse.
Fife's Poodle Dog features a monolithic sign touting their "Good Food."
The Beach Tavern at Titlow features an L-shaped sign with neon details at the top.
The Temple Theatre sign's neon features are sometimes lost by the messages that are placed on the marquee.
St. Helen's Ave's Guitar Maniacs has a simple neon sign behind their barred facade.
Le Roy Jewelers deco-inspired signage beautifully lights the night on Broadway in Downtown Tacoma.
Newer businesses often feature neon too. 6th Avenue's Asado is a prime example of good modern signage.
Hilltop's Johnson Candy Company has a recently restored sign where much of the old neon was replaced with LED lighting.
Although the Rialto is not a neon sign, we felt it should be included in this story because of it's amazing nighttime presence on 9th Street.

Updated Comfort in Wapato Lake Area of Tacoma 

By Sharon Benson • 01 May, 2024
With beautifully updated spaces, a large and lovely backyard retreat, and an incredibly convenient location, this Tacoma home checks all the boxes! Spacious living lets life unfold with ease, and this home’s 1,516-square-foot layout includes 3 bedrooms and 1.75 baths in addition to warm and welcoming living spaces ready for making memories. Smart updates ensure this home-sweet-home is ready for its next chapter—updates include a new roof in 2020, new AC and a gas furnace in 2019, and a new sewer line in 2024. Located at 6827 S K Street Tacoma, WA 98408 and less than 1 mile from 85-acre Wapato Park, grocery stores, dining, shopping, schools, I-5 access and more, this turnkey Tacoma treasure is listed for $430,000.

Senior Living Series Part One: Preparing for Change

By Sharon Benson • 29 Apr, 2024
As the years go on, we all grow dear attachments to our homes – after all, that’s what it means to make a home! We develop cherished memories, fashioning our homes to suit our own particular lifestyle, and live our lives under a roof that feels tailor made for us. But, there comes a point in most of our lives when we must contend with the fact that we age, and a day may come when we need to give up the home we know for a new one.

Updated Vintage Home with Large Yard in Central Tacoma

By Kelli Jo Hjalseth • 20 Mar, 2024
Thoughtfully updated, this 1945-built Tacoma treasure has been refreshed and yet still has many of its important vintage details intact. Comfortable, inviting, and brimming with charm, this 2,184-square-foot home transports you back in time in the best way possible! This home truly checks all the boxes—just a few of this home’s not-to-miss highlights include the stylish bathroom remodel, the period-perfect kitchen, the cheerful living room, sprawling square footage that offers versatility, the big backyard… and more! Located at 3139 S 19th Street Tacoma, WA 98405 in Central Tacoma, this vintage home with 3 bedrooms and 1 bath is listed for $445,000.
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