Published: September 09, 2008 05:09 pm            

Back Roads: Neon CARnival

Originally published in the September 5, 2008, print edition.

Walking into Spomer Classics is like walking into neon heaven. The sky is ablaze with “Oldsmobile,” “Buick,” “Chevrolet,” “Pontiac,” “Chrysler,” “Plymouth,” “Ford,” “OK Used Cars,” even “Hotel.” It’s more eye-boggling than a carnival midway. In fact, it is a sort of CARnival midway.

Spomer Classics and Museum showcases automotive memories collected by Marv Spomer. The museum, appropriately, fills a 1960s auto dealership building. The showroom, offices and service department display cars, signs and memorabilia — lighted clocks, soft drink machines, advertisements and more. The body shop in the rear is now the sign repair shop.

While the neon catches the eye, 95 percent of the signs are porcelain signs — painted metal with a porcelain coating. Spomer said porcelain signs came into their own in the 1930s and ’40s, and were not produced after the 1960s. He started collecting signs 25 years ago when he and his wife, Jeanine, were antiquing and she said, “Why don’t you look for automotive stuff?”

He’s never quit.

Spomer located many signs through his contacts with other dealers while he was an auto dealer in Worthington for over 30 years. His 2003 retirement was simply a move from selling cars to becoming a museum curator. He garnered his first sign from a friend in Raton, N.M., but he strives to gather and preserve signs primarily from area communities.

The variety is fascinating. There is a Buick sign with original opal milk glass, lighted with interior bulbs, the only one known to exist. There is a Masonite sign from World War II when metal was not available, and sand-painted signs.

One service department bay has farm implement signs, including a beautiful tall Case eagle porcelain sign. There are signs for service, tires, batteries and even two Rexall Drug signs. Mannequins model period clothes among the cars.

One visit will not suffice, because Spomer keeps adding to the exhibit. “I’ve got about a hundred more signs to put up,” he said. “I’ve got it figured out how I can get them all in the building.”

There are many private collections, but Spomer wanted to share his with the public. The posted hours are 9-5, but it’s best to call. The museum is closed if Spomer is out of town. Besides, you’ll want the personal tour, because every sign has a story that goes with it.

Spomer Classics and Museum is located at 322 Oxford Street in Worthington. Call for reservations at (507) 376-9557 or (866) 450-6366 or (507) 360-9557. Their website is www.spomerclassics.com.

        

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