Neon sign presentation at Macoupin County Historical Society

 

By RUTH GILL
Enquirer Democrat Reporter

When Route 66 was a bustling road way, many passengers experienced numerous signs along the way.

Some of these signs were made from neon. There are some signs still left but many have been forgotten. Jeff Dunn, a neon specialist, presented a program “The Art of Neon and Its Association with Route 66” on May 5 at the Ruyle Building part of the Macoupin County Historical Society.

Dunn presented a power point presentation that demonstrated the process of making a neon sign. The video showed how to put the neon gas into the tube and shape the glass to the designs that is wanted. The glass he uses for the tubes come from Italy. Neon signs are made differently if they are used inside vs being used outside. He also talked about the history of the neon signs. Dunn showed pictures of different signs that were along the iconic Route 66 that were for Hotels, Diners and different businesses.

The program about the neon signs that were along Route 66 is a timely topic as 2026 will be the anniversary of the “ Mother Road”. The history of Route 66 is popular in the area since the road ran through many parts of Macoupin County. This program is part of a series of special events, Illinois Arts Council Series, sponsored by the Illinois State Historical Society.

Dunn has been working with neon for more than 25 years. He is the owner of a neon art and signage business in Hillsboro, “Dunn Neon Sign Co.” Dunn learned from the previous owner of the shop he now owns. It takes many years to learn the trade. He receives items from all over the country that need to be repaired. This is lost art, not many people know how to make the neon signs anymore.

There are few neon artisans left to repair the nostalgic signs travelers saw as they traveled Route 66 from Chicago to LA. One thinks of neon being for signs and advertisements, but it is actually an interesting art form.

All programs at MCHS are free and open to the public. July 7 at 7 p.m. will be the next program.

“Forgottonia” will be presented by highly acclaimed singer songwriter Chris Vallillo,  an Illinois Humanities Roads Scholar.