Fern's Hotel

Fern is probably long gone.  This is clearly an old time hotel that probably originally rooms with  a bathroom down the hall.  It's survived the decades although it has fallen on hard times.

shipping and receiving

Who knows how old this sign is.  I'm guessing 1050s.  Spotted in West Oakland just off Mandela Parkway.

submarine crossing?

I'm not sure what this is about but it sends the mind reeling at the possibilities.  Linked to Signs, Signs.

in case you're looking for a dentist

Saw this last week and it make me laugh.  Reminds me of all those westerns that show a dentist advertising with a tooth hanging outside his office.  As you can see, we still are in a dry and clear period.  It's definitely looking like a year of drought.  Linked to Signs, Signs and Skywatch Friday.

Avondale Hotel

This apartment building off Telegraph Avenue still carries a sign of it's earlier incarnation.   Its subsequent owners must have wanted to preserve something of its history.  Amazing artifact of a previous age.

Pacific Ring Sports

If you drive by this gym you'll see all kinds of martial arts being practiced across the day and well into the evening.  I'm especially fond of the building and the old timey style of the sign.

vintage metal sign

This cool, old sign remains even though the business is long gone.

Skywatch Friday: more blue skies

A 1960s-70s vintage motel on West MacArthur Blvd when MacArthur was the primary thoroughfare in Oakland pre-urban renewal. The hotel is being well maintained even as it has transitioned to a residential motel.  Love the sign, love the font on the wall, love those decorative oval thingies on the corner of the building.  Also love the blue skies we're enjoying and the comfortable Oakland temperatures.   If you go east through the Caldecott Tunnel, you'll find temps in the 90s.  And how is it in your area?  Linking to Skywatch Friday.

Skywatch Friday: Fairfax Liquor

This liquor store sign just screams 1960s.  The atomic lettering for Fairfax is too cool.  At least I think so.  The guys watching me take the pictures were probably wondering what I found so interesting.  Found in East Oakland at 54th Avenue and Foothill Blvd.  The weather has been intermittently cloudy with some spits of rain.  The sun returns today.  For other sky views, don't forget to visit Skywatch Friday.

Montclair library

I've always liked this Montclair Village library sign.  It was probably wrought and installed when the original Storybook building was constructed in 1930.  Participating in this week's Signs, Signs.

I'll be out of town for several days, and may not be able to leave comments.  Post provided through auto-posting.

Funky Soul Stop

Found on Jefferson and 18th Streets.  As luck would have it, they were closed this day.  If you're a fan of vinyl, this place sounds worth exploring.  Submitted to Signs, Signs.

parking shadows

Spotted downtown late one afternoon.  Submitted to Shadow Shot Sunday.

signs of the times

Spotted in East Oakland, these signs indicate an interesting mix of neighbors.

ABC Wednesday: T is for Transmission Service

This homemade service sign is located on Foothill Blvd. near Fairfax Avenue in East Oakland.   The guy who owns this shop has a sense of humor.  Does this qualify as folk art?  For more "T" photos, check ABC Wednesday.

Gold Teeth Master

Spied on Broadway near 19th Street.  I thought the fad for gold teeth "grilles" had come and gone, but apparently not.  To be fair, their neon sign says "Jewelry--The Best Bling Shop."  For other amusing signs from around the world brought to you by the CDP community, click here.

the Print Shop

When I saw this sign I thought I had fallen into a time warp.  Doesn't this shout 1960s to you?  The amazing thing is that the business is still there.  This sign is located on San Pablo Avenue and about 27th Street.  I worked very near here for years and never saw it before.  As the razor wire indicates, this an edgy neighborhood, especially at night.  Like most of the city, it is also home to families, churches, schools, and businesses that want the best for each other. 

the Ides of April approach

Here is an example of a sign spinner, a common sight in the Bay Area.  They stand on corners usually advertising a sale.  To relieve their boredom they spin the signs in all kinds of acrobatic and clever ways.  This fellow reminds us that our tax returns are due April 15.  Yikes, that's day after tomorrow!
I'll be away for a few days and will resume posting next week.

coffee and billiards

Spotted on International near 13th Avenue.  An amusing combination, to say the least.  What's next?  Perhaps "Donuts and Tattoos."  Your suggestions?