Johnny's Big Red Grill Neon Sign
Name/Title
Johnny's Big Red Grill Neon SignEntry/Object ID
2009.0006.0001Description
A double-faced, 21-foot tall, die-cut, painted sheet metal neon sign that was installed on the exterior of Johnny's Big Red Grill in 1949, in Ithaca, NY. The restaurant was well-loved Collegetown landmark, popular with the Cornell crowd, as it had opened back in 1919 as a coffee shop first. Later it became an eatery and was run by John Petrillose ST., and his wife, Ruth. The sign was designated an historic landmark but in 2009, th Ithaca Fire Department expressed concern about the building's brick facade and the sign came down for the work. It ultimately never went back up. In rough shape, a private individual purchase the sign but found it was too large. After some research, the donor found the Museum and was able to coordinate a donation. It was restored shortly before the Museum's pick-up, which was assisted by Brian 'the Brush' Briskie, former ASM board member, as well as Bob Timmerman, Jared Relyea and Eric Ramey, all Ithaca-based sign painters.Collection
Permanent CollectionCategory
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