Ritzy Tavern Sign, circa 1948

01

Artifact Overview

An increasing variety of eatery choices enticed motorists to leave the highway and stop in for a bite to eat. These included roadside diners, drive-ins, lunchrooms, and coffee shops. Sometimes motorists would encounter an old pre-railroad tavern that was revived and reopened for motorists' business after years of neglect. Ritzy Tavern seems to have been one of these.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Advertising sign

Date Made

circa 1948

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

87.81.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paint (Coating)
Wood (Plant Material)

Color

Ivory (Color)
Black (Color)
Red

Dimensions

Height: 24 in (confirmed CMD)
Width: 47.75 in (confirmed CMD)
Depth: 0.75 in (confirmed CMD)

Inscriptions

Painted on front, horizontally: RITZY TAVERN / CHICKEN & STEAK DINNERS / SANDWICHES A SPECIALTY / PHONE 65412 DRIVE INN Painted on front right, vertically: 75c