Highway Signs for WA-14 and I-5

November 30, 2024

This photo captures the overhead highway signs at the interchange of Interstate 5 and Washington State Route 14 in Vancouver, Washington. This junction is a critical transportation artery for the region, directing traffic north towards Seattle, south to Portland, and east along the scenic Columbia River Gorge. The signs, illuminated against a twilight sky, guide drivers through one of the busiest corridors in the Pacific Northwest.

The interchange itself is a complex web of ramps and overpasses, reflecting the constant flow of commerce and commuters. It marks a key decision point for travelers, whether they are on a daily commute or embarking on a longer journey through the stunning landscapes that define this part of the country. This image, taken from the interchange near this location in Vancouver, WA, captures a fleeting, everyday moment from the driver’s perspective, framed by the structure of the highway itself.

Hung Far Low Sign, Portland

September 21, 2014

This photo shows the iconic Hung Far Low sign, a cherished piece of Portland’s history. For decades, this sign marked the location of the Hung Far Low restaurant, a cornerstone of the city’s Old Town Chinatown. The restaurant itself, which operated for over 70 years, was a beloved institution known for its classic Cantonese-American cuisine.

After the restaurant closed in 2005, the sign was removed and faced an uncertain future. However, thanks to a community effort, it was beautifully restored and re-installed in 2010 at a new location in Southeast Portland. This photo captures the sign at its current home, where it stands as a vibrant monument to the city’s culinary history and the enduring legacy of its Chinese-American community, located at the intersection of SE 82nd Ave and SE Division St.

Paris Métro Entrance by Hector Guimard

April 2, 2024

This photo captures one of the iconic “Métropolitain” signs that mark the entrances to the Paris Métro. These signs are world-renowned examples of the Art Nouveau style, designed by architect Hector Guimard for the opening of the city’s first subway lines for the 1900 Exposition Universelle. The design was radical for its time, featuring organic, plant-like forms and a distinctive, flowing typeface that have become synonymous with the Belle Époque in Paris.

Guimard’s entrances were intended to be works of art that would beautify the urban landscape. Though many were removed over the years, the remaining examples are now protected as historical monuments. This particular style, with its elegant curves and glowing lamps, transforms a simple subway entrance into an enchanting gateway to the city’s underground. The photo was taken near the Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre station at this location in Paris.

Bell Buoy Seafood, Seaside

May 31, 2025

This photo shows the iconic Bell Buoy Seafood restaurant in Seaside, Oregon. A local institution since 1946, Bell Buoy is both a fresh seafood market and a casual eatery, famous for its award-winning clam chowder and fresh-from-the-ocean Dungeness crab.

For generations, it has been a go-to spot for locals and visitors looking for an authentic taste of the Oregon Coast. The building itself, with its classic coastal charm, is a familiar sight for anyone driving along Highway 101. This image captures the storefront, a welcoming beacon for seafood lovers, located at 1800 S Roosevelt Dr, Seaside, OR.

Castle Geyser Sign, Yellowstone National Park

June 24, 2024

This photo shows the prediction sign for Castle Geyser, one of the most famous geysers in Yellowstone National Park’s Upper Geyser Basin. Castle Geyser is renowned for its large, castle-like sinter cone and powerful eruptions that occur roughly every 10 to 14 hours.

The sign, with its classic National Park Service design, provides visitors with estimated eruption times, though the geyser can be unpredictable, as the handwritten note “may erupt between times” humorously suggests. This area, which includes other famous features like Old Faithful, is a testament to the dynamic geothermal activity that defines Yellowstone. The photo was taken near the geyser at this location in Yellowstone National Park.

Leuvehaven Electric Tram Sign, Rotterdam

March 29, 2024

This photo shows a modern electric tram sign at Leuvehaven, a historic harbor in the heart of Rotterdam. The area, home to the city’s Maritime Museum, seamlessly blends old and new, with historic ships moored alongside contemporary architecture. Rotterdam’s efficient tram network, operated by RET, is a vital part of its public transport system, connecting key districts across the city. This sign, with its clean digital display, stands as a symbol of Rotterdam’s innovative and forward-thinking urban design, captured near this location in Rotterdam.

Doc's Clock: A Mission Mainstay

April 30, 2005

A true San Francisco institution, Doc’s Clock has been a beloved Mission District dive bar since it first opened as the Clock Tavern in 1951. It got its current name in 1961 when a dentist, Dr. Ralph Mancuso, bought the bar and installed the iconic neon sign.

In 2017, after losing its lease at its original home at 2575 Mission Street, the bar was forced to move. A battle ensued with the old landlord over the vintage sign, but with help from the community and the city’s Legacy Business program, owner Carey Suckow was able to reclaim it. On September 18, 2018, the sign was triumphantly re-lit at its new home at 2417 Mission Street, a symbol of a neighborhood fighting to hold on to its character.