Norms Neon Sign Garden

One of the best known signs in Baltimore was the Circle Bar-B-Q, on Dundalk Ave. The 38' round drive-in was conceived by Francis Gretz. He opened it on July 3, 1947. The Roof was adorned with 4' tall stainless steel letters that were below a 12' round rotating hamburger on a 30' pole.

Mr. Gretz retired 50 years later and closed the popular hang out. The letters, containing over one thousand indicator bulbs on a 4 point chaser, were removed. Mr Gretz told me they were made by a 'Fidelity Sign Co.', but nobody in my trade past or present ever heard of that firm. He passed in 2005.

Originally Fullerton Permanent Building and Loan Association, this 1952 neon display was crafted by Belsinger Signs. The stainless steel letters contain script neon, which was later concealed in added acrylic. Downlighting was achieved through eggcrate along the bottom.

We removed the 30' long sign in 2006, as the bank prepared to renovate the exterior. Located at 7501 Belair Rd in Baltimore, the new facade is quite different from the old neon-adorned front.

Located on Cold Spring lane in Roland Park, this little appliance store remained fully stocked but closed for 25 years. The interior was like a movie set with the clock stopped at 1977.