Antonia Landgraf is many things. She’s
- New to town
- An alert “06880” reader
- And a very alert Westporter.
Tonight, Antonia emailed me:
Is this the sign everybody was in an uproar about when it was removed? It was leaning against a tree today on the corner of South Compo and the Post Road.
Yes! It is!
As “06880” reported nearly 2 years ago, the “paint palette” sign — a fixture at Compo Acres Shopping Center since it was built in the 1950s — disappeared when Equity One bought the property.
Another alert reader — Suzanne Sherman Propp — tracked down the man responsible for the center: Northeast regional manager Glenn Wilson. He sent a curt reply: “We had that replaced and I believe it was thrown out.”
Now, however — without fanfare — it’s back. It’s almost exactly where it sat, for decades. And — judging from the undated photo below — it’s almost certainly the original sign:
Score one for Equity One.
Now, if they can bring back Silver’s, Carousel Toy Store, Franklin Simon and the luncheonette…
Wow! I am impressed. Something so special from our childhood has been recovered and returned to its rightful position. Some things do make us smile:) Thanks, Dan for reporting this.
My husband worked at Franklin Simon some 40 odd years ago. Great store.
Ohhh if they could bring back max’s and Klein and remarkable bookstore! !! And selective eye!
Wasn’t a theater there at one time, maybe where the bank is or next door to the bank???
Sorry, no. There were 4 theaters downtown (where Restoration Hardware, Matsu Sushi and the maternity store are), and one near Angelina’s, in the spot recently vacated by Pompanoosuc Mills.
It looks like a re-make to me because the proportions are slightly different. I would even guess that it wasn’t Equity One that replaced it. My guess is that it is the work of a local resident with a great sense of nostalgia, artistry and humor. Hey Miggs! Was it YOU?
I wondered that, too. It looks rather pristine for being such a relic, plus, as you point out, the sign’s proportions, as well as the bottom curl of the Capital “C,” look a bit different. Have to take a look at it in real life…so good to have it back, regardless. Beggars can’t be choosers.
I’ve got to go with Wendy and Susan – this appears to be a sinister replica of the lamented original sign. In all seriousness, I’m impressed when someone responds (positively) to public input. Thanks Equity One.
Please remove the small raises island obstacle on Compo road perimeter which greatly causes a. Problem for cars turning into shopping center. Thanks!
Just love that Mrs. Propp. She knows how to get thing done!