The classic sign from '60s Kalamazoo was collected by the museum nearly 6 years ago.

Now we know its fate!

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Located just outside of downtown Cincinnati, Ohio in a tucked away corner of an industrial area you'll find the American Sign Museum.

American Sign Museum, Ohio
American Sign Museum, Ohio - Lauren G/TSM
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Dedicated to preserving the, "history of America through a century of signage" the museum is more than just a collection of old signs; it's a glimpse into Americana and the brand names that shaped our country.

Having visited the museum myself several years ago I was fascinated by the elaborate neon signs by big names like McDonald's, Sprite, and countless others that are only a faint memory today, save for these signs.

Even the classic Big Boy makes an appearance!

American Sign Museum, Big Boy
Amaerican Sign Museum, Big Boy - Lauren G/TSM
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Kalamazoo locals were excited to see a familiar sight when the American Sign Museum recently shared an update on a new exhibit wing which includes the famous Tot to Teen Village sign:

The Tot to Teen Village sign. The sign is 15ft long, and the only space large to accommodate that length just happened to be the wall of the new classroom – the future home to programs for all ages including tots to teens. Sometimes, things just fit perfectly and this 1966 sign from Kalamazoo, MI is in a perfect spot in its new home.
Tot To Teen Village ASM Ohio
Credit: American Sign Museum, Facebook
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Seems like everything fit into place perfectly.

I grew up in nearby Allegan and at 35 years old I probably missed all the excitement of shopping at Tot to Teen Village, which from what I can gather is a youth clothing store but maybe it also sold furniture too? Here's what I gathered from the comments:

  • "The Tot to Teen Village was a treasured, locally owned store in Kalamazoo for 80 years. We loved that store and purchased a dresser there in 2015. It was sad to see it close." - Erin Bee
  • "My Grandparents owned this store, and it’s so awesome to see its legacy and creativity displayed in the American Sign Museum; thank you!" - Mike Klok
  • "Childhood blast from the past. I used to think that place was the coolest. Was so sad to see it go, but so cool to see it here." - Sarah Bauman
Tot To Teen Village
Mark Fricke/TSM
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McDonald's launched its Golden Arch Hotel concept with a pair of locations in Switzerland in 2001. Rooms included arches over the headboards and showers that were visible from the bedroom. Both locations closed less than two years after they opened.

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