The story of this old world sign painting company in San Francisco was on NPR’s show 99% Invisible (which is a great quirky show). New Bohemia Signs is one of those companies that makes you appreciate old world craftsmanship. They seem very modern and yet this was the way business was done not so long ago. You got your hand painted sign or had a professional sign painter come carefully place gold letters that proudly displayed your business name. It lent a sense of place and history and legitimacy to your establishment.

This company just seems so reflective of the kind of world and economy we seem to be collectively aching to get back to. The butcher shop, green grocer and bakery on main street. The Mom & Pop shops that knew every kid in town. These signs remind us that we will pay a little more and buy from the local place where we have a thread. Yes, it is really convenient to have your goods land at your door. However, a connection or conversation with someone in line makes life way much more interesting. My Dad told me when I moved to Burlington, VT 23 years ago that I needed to have a relationship with my bankers. He said don’t drive through and never talk to anyone. He was right. I like chatting with the tellers and I like that I don’t have to show a driver’s license every time I do a transaction. They know me.

http://www.newbohemiasigns.com/originaldesigns.html#7

http://99percentinvisible.org/post/44844339579/episode-74-hand-painted-signs