Vincent Pacifico

Retail and restaurant sign designs tend to flow with trends but some signs have stood the test of time and are still iconic today. There are a few signs throughout Worcester that everyone knows and are loved by all. There’s nothing like seeing neon signs lit up at night with their bright glow and low buzzing sound that gives off the retro vibe. These signs can be found around Worcester on diners, older restaurants and shops that have been here as long as you can remember. Those are the signs you notice, the ones that grab your attention and the ones you remember seeing.

Neon signs were invented in Paris in the early 1900s and didnt make an appearance to the United States until the 1920s. They became an extremely popular way to showcase a business with a new cutting edge way to light up the streetscape with fun colors and vibrant arrays. They were popular until the 1960s when LED lighting took over and became a much more efficient and safe way to produce lighting for signs. The first of these signs consisted of glass tubes filled with a neon gas that electricity passed through creating a glowing effect with later advancements using argon gas instead. Many of the modern “neon” style signs are actually LED lighting that mimic the look of real neon. 

Much of Worcester’s retro scene is still alive and well in the city today. Diners are usually the first thing that come to mind when you think of a neon sign. Those amazing colorful signs glowing at all hours of the night that draw you in for a late night bacon and eggs. You can see neon on almost every diner still open in Worcester. Some great examples you can see are the lit up “Diner” signs, clocks and rooflines at the Boulevard, Ralphs, and Corner Lunch to name a few.

Diner’s aren’t the only establishments that still have neon signs in Worcester. If you drive around you’ll be able to see some other iconic signs. On Shrewsbury Street, Wonderbar has a great looking sign that is still lit up at night and gives off that retro feeling inviting you in for a slice of pizza. Unfortunately many of the cherished neon signs in the city are slowly disappearing and being replaced as businesses close and buildings are renovated. A few of the great signs that have recently disappeared are the Owl Shop, Corner Grille and Weintraub’s Delicatessen which is a loss for the city’s retro enthusiasts. 

Thankfully one of the city’s most historic neon signs is being restored. The amazing Coney Island sign that everyone knows and loves featuring a hand holding a hot dog and the restaurant’s name lit up in big letters. Probably the most iconic sign in Worcester, especially when it’s lit up at night. Worcester has to be one of the great New England cities that still has its retro charm. Some signs will always be there because they are part of the neighborhood’s identity and it’s pretty clear that neon signs will always have a place in Worcester. It’s safe to say you can count on spotting a diner sign at any hour of the night.