The city of Springfield, Illinois, revealed itself Friday as the new owner of the historic Sonrise Donuts neon signs along Route 66 in Springfield that recently went up for auction.
The even-better news is Ace Sign Co. of Springfield will restore one side of the sign at no cost, and a restoration fund was set up to take donations to restore the other side. Those interested in contributing money also can call 217-522-8417.
As of Friday night, the fund had raised more than $700 of its goal of $6,600.
More from the news release by Mayor James Langfelder:
In partnership with Ace Sign Company who assisted the city in navigating the bidding process, the Convention & Visitors Bureau purchased the complete sign to retain its historic value for $22,000.
“As residents we drive this historic stretch daily; however, from a tourist stand point, we welcome
hundreds of thousands of national and international visitors a year who want to experience a piece of
American history,” said Scott Dahl, Director of the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Keeping
this sign here ensures our visitors will continue to experience Springfield’s story as it relates to Route
66.” […]Ace Sign Company has agreed to restore one side of the sign at no cost while an online fundraising
effort is currently underway to assist in the cost to restore the other side. “Dennis Bringuet and the team
at Ace has been instrumental in helping usher this process along,” continued Dahl.Mayor Jim Langfelder commented, “It is imperative we preserve our history and keep this iconic piece of
Route 66 in Springfield. We appreciate our partners in the community who work tirelessly to keep Route
66 alive including Cozy Dog, Fulgenzi’s, and the new Motor Heads. The Sonrise Doughnut sign is more
than a sign. It continues to tell this story for generations to come and experience.”
According to the Springfield State Journal-Register, the money to buy the signs will come from the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau fund. The newspaper said parties from Chicago and California at one point were winning the online bidding, but the city won out Wednesday night.
No plan for the Sonrise Donuts neon signs was announced, but the new owners must remove them within 90 days. A Mexican restaurant occupies the building.
Byron Figuera founded Sonrise Donuts in 1947, and the sign arrived two years later. Don “Donuts” Greenslade, a former employee, bought the business in 1967 and at one point made more than 400 varieties of doughnuts each day until he died in 1998.
(Image of Sonrise Donuts neon signs in Springfield, Illinois, via the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway)
This is great news. The signs will be restored and, I guess, will be on display somewhere. Otherwise, they would disappear in private collections, never to be seen again.
Congrats!
Fred from the Netherlands
I just wanted to say I believe the change Ron has made to route 66 info network are excellent. Making them part of the route 66 website is a great idea.
Thanks Ron for all your efforts.