Old “EAT” sign removed in Claremore

An “EAT” sign that stood along Route 66 for about 40 years in Claremore, Oklahoma, was taken down Sunday because lack of maintenance made it a safety issue, according to the sign company that removed it.

Adventure Signs in Claremore posted this time-lapse video of the sign’s removal.

Retiring a Route 66 Relic // Claremore EAT Sign from Adventure Signs on Vimeo.

And the company posted this about the sign on its blog:

The old Claremore EAT sign has been a reference landmark for commuters since the early 70’s, originally located across the road at what is now the Elm’s Motel, owners of Daily’s Restaurant had it moved to the current location in 1972 where it has remained to direct hungry passer-byers to a well placed meal.

Over the years, sun, rain, wind, snow, ice have taken their toll on the unique sign reminiscent of an era gone by. As of the last decade, maintenance had become spotty at best, as the structure started to deteriorate beyond repairable feasibility. Pigeons have made it their local perch and home for some years as well contributing to further maintenance issues.

A few weeks ago the decision was painfully concluded that due to safety concerns it needed to be disassembled. As sentiments often due, it was a reminder to the land owner of another time, making it difficult to finally give the okay to remove it.

Yesterday morning a crew from our shop arrived on site shortly after daylight to take on the project. Many unknowns exist on a sign manufactured so many years ago. Due to the fragility of the top sign structure we opted to remove it intact, then deconstruct the rest of the structure from there. The owner is still considering the potential future for the unique sign. Due to its especially large size, and extremely fragile state historical preservation options do not look promising.
It’s a unique opportunity that a we get to affect a city skyline in a significant way, and we’re honored to be asked to treat a Claremore icon with respect and regard in our own hometown.

According to the company, the sign weighed over 2,200 pounds, was 25 feet long, 10 feet tall, and stood about 45 feet above the ground. Each letter was about eight feet tall, and the sign was fashioned in a combination of neon and fluorescent lighting.