Signs have been around forever. Literally, the earliest advertising signs can be dated back to 3000 B.C.
But we’re going to fast forward just a few years and visit the first lit sign.
So how do you think the first signs were illuminated? Candles? A jar of fireflies? Not quite.
It was Gas lighting. The very first illuminated sign was for P.T. Barnum’s Museum which was advertised by a gas-lit display – it dates back to 1840. Gas lit signs continued to be used on drug stores and other retail stores, as well as theater marquees until the electric lamp was introduced in 1881.
https://www.americansignmuseum.org
Can you imagine the fire hazard? And the maintenance? Having to manually light your sign every night? Thankfully, sign technology has come a long way.
But if you do still have a gas lit sign (which I really hope you do not) or an older sign that can use some updating, let us know how we can help you with your signage needs.
Otherwise, just keep this tidbit of information in the back of your mind in case it ever comes up in a good game of trivia.
