Iowa’s Burma-Shave Signs: A Nostalgic Journey into the Heartland
Embark on a nostalgic journey as we explore Iowa’s Burma-Shave Signs, charming relics that continue to sprinkle wit and history along the state’s highways. Dive into a riveting trip down memory lane, witnessing the revival of an iconic piece of Americana…in beautiful Iowa!
Iowa’s Burma-Shave Signs: A Nostalgic Journey
Embark on a nostalgic journey as we explore Iowa’s Burma-Shave Signs, charming relics that continue to sprinkle wit and history along the state’s highways. Dive into a riveting trip down memory lane, witnessing the revival of an iconic piece of Americana…in beautiful Iowa!
Video Tour with Jack and Kitty of Iowa’s Burma Shave Signs
A Journey Through Burma Shave’s Iconic Roadside History
There’s a peculiar charisma in the rhythm of the open road – a rhythm punctuated by the cadence of its signs. Today, let’s delve into a striking element of this rhythm from yesteryear, the quintessential Burma Shave signs. These seemingly simple road signs, humble in their dimensions, not only enhanced the joy of the American road trip but they also revolutionized the landscape of advertising.
Let’s unravel this saga that starts almost a century ago in 1926 in Lakeville, Minnesota. It was here, in the heartland of America, that the Burma Shave Company embarked on an ingenious journey to market their product. At a time when the concept of advertising was largely confined to the grandeur of billboards, Burma Shave had an idea that was both revolutionary and remarkably simple: a series of small red and white road signs, typically arranged in a sequence of six.
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Each set of signs formed a rhyming couplet ending with a witty pun, with the last sign proudly showcasing the Burma Shave logo. The first of these creative strings of signs found its home along Highway 65. The concept was so engaging, drivers and their passengers couldn’t help but keep their eyes peeled for the next quirkily charming Burma Shave rhyme. And so, these humble signs became a cherished part of American car culture and a defining element of the quintessential American road trip.
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While these signs were an engaging pastime, they were also a promotional powerhouse. The strategy was, quite simply, genius. It was interactive and memorable, demanding the attention of every passerby and imprinting the brand name on their memory. The result? A legendary, iconic piece of advertising that reigned from 1926 until 1963, when the company was bought out.
Reviving the Roaring Twenties
Fast forward to the present, and the charm of these signs is being resurrected in the scenic state of Iowa. Waverly, Iowa, to be precise, is where we now find ourselves in today’s video, marveling at the rebirth of these historic signs. The periodical, Our Iowa magazine, spearheaded this project, endeavoring to reintroduce 99 sets of these Burma Shave signs – one for each county in the state. The goal has recently been achieved after a decade of dedicated work.
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This revival is more than just a trip down memory lane. It’s a clever way to promote the magazine, indeed, but it also brings back the quaint charm of a bygone era. Today, the roadside landscape of every Iowa county is adorned with these nostalgic signposts, injecting a fresh dose of old-timey charm into the heartland.
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How You Can See the Burma Shave Signs in Iowa Today
As you traverse Iowa’s highways, you’ll encounter these revived pieces of history. One such sign stands sentinel near a golf course just outside of Waverly, Iowa, on a road that is as busy as the Burma Shave signs themselves. So, when you find yourself on the open roads of Iowa, keep your eyes open – not just for safety but also for a hint of history, a dash of wit, and a hearty dose of nostalgia.
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Remember, there’s one set of these cool signs in every county in Iowa!
Indeed, a journey through Iowa has now become an intriguing journey through time, where the spirit of the ‘roaring twenties’ and the open road still echo in the form of the iconic Burma Shave signs. Have a super day…oh, and as you roll down the highways, remember this charming anecdote from yesteryears: “A guy who drives his car wide open is not thinking, he’s just hopin’.”