A Cincinnati museum is launching an effort to restore and relight one of the city’s most iconic restaurant signs.
Following the eviction of Frisch Big Boy’s Mainliner location in Fairfax this past December, the American Sign Museum (ASM) in Camp Washington acquired the restaurant’s historic and well-known sign, which had fallen into disrepair even before the closure. ASM says the 70-year-old sign requires substantial work to be restored to its former glory.
“The ASM is proud to have acquired the iconic Frisch’s Mainliner sign, a true gem in Cincinnati’s rich history of mid-20th century signage. This sign, a symbol of the beloved Frisch’s Big Boy franchise, has long been a nostalgic reminder of the city’s vibrant past and its unique contributions to American diner culture,” the museum said in a press release. “However … the sign has weathered many years of exposure to the elements, and before it can be displayed in all its glory, it needs careful restoration to ensure it remains a lasting testament to Cincinnati’s history.”
Related
Team of Frisch’s Senior Managers Acquires Several Locations, Future Branding Rights
The museum says it will use vintage sign components similar to the time period that the sign was unveiled, as well as restore the neon sections and add a new steel structure and electrical work. It has launched a GoFundMe and aims to raise $50,000 to fix the sign, as well as an additional $10,000 to launch an oral history project where people can record their memories about the Mainliner sign and other signs in ASM’s collection. You can donate to the GoFundMe here.
American Sign Museum, 1330 Monmouth Ave., Camp Washington. More info: americansignmuseum.org.
Related Stories
Team of Frisch’s Senior Managers Acquires Several Locations, Future Branding Rights
Big Boy Opening Two Dolly’s Burgers and Shakes Locations in Greater Cincinnati This Week
This article appears in Jan 8-21, 2025.
