 |
| The sign as it looked back in January 2017 |
 |
| As the sign looked in mid-December 2016; "Old E. H.” still has his Santa cap on |
Here’s the link to the Chronicle-Telegram article by Scott Mahoney. It explains that the building has been unused for some time now and that the removal of the sign was necessary to hopefully expedite the sale of the property.
I figured that the sign was a goner when I first noticed that the building was for sale (at left) back around Christmas.
Here’s another view, from May 2016.
It’s interesting that the Chronicle article reveals that the sign was installed in 1955. It must have taken a while for the image of “Old E. H.” in his rocker to catch on and represent the company, because he didn’t appear in an Elyria phone book ad until 1968.
Here’s how he looked in that 1968 ad.
Here’s how he looked in that 1968 ad.
A later phone book ad seemed to return "Old E. H." to his roots.
By the 1990s, "Old E. H." had become "Mr. Help."
The E. H. Roberts sign was one of those classic Lorain County landmarks – like the Lakeview Park Easter Basket or the train in Oakwood Park – that local Baby Boomers watched for from the back seat of the family car. In the more innocent era of the 1950s and 60s, it didn’t take much to amuse kids. I know we always watched for the guy on the rocking chair when we happened to be going down Route 57 going to or from the Turnpike.
 |
| 1992 Lorain Phone Book ad |
Happily, the image of the man on the rocking chair will live on. “Old E. H.” is on both the front and side of the new building just a stone’s throw to the east on North Ridge Road.
While it’s sad that the landmark sign on 57 is no more, it’s amazing that it lasted for so long. That’s one thing you can say about Lorain County: change comes very slowly.
But it just won’t be the same when you’re stuck at that light at 57 and 254, and you don’t see the familiar, comforting image of “Old E. H.” with his feet propped up on his potbelly stove, harkening back to simpler times.
But it just won’t be the same when you’re stuck at that light at 57 and 254, and you don’t see the familiar, comforting image of “Old E. H.” with his feet propped up on his potbelly stove, harkening back to simpler times.
8 comments:
what a shame...surprised the owner didn't take it to his new place that's a iconic sign. I went home on leave and showed the kids the sign they thought it was the coolest.....wonder who has the sign or if its for sale???
Yes, I remember that rocking chair man from the 1960's while sitting in the backward-facing seat in my dad's station wagon. Memories!
I would have saved it!! Amazing that thing was rockin for years!! Generations and generations loved it. Remember it dating back to being young as 3years old.
Hi all, its EH JR.
Thank you all for your kind words.
The rocking man (Dad) is with me in Scottsdale Az.
In hommage of Dad, I built a big mechanical marquee sign for a restaurant/bar I partly designed called Bottled Blonde.
I did Miss Mosh as the poster girl with her leg kicking up and down on a bottle 20'W x 9'H.
Anyhow, thanks again for all the great memories!
Ernest (EH)
I see a good place for it right on the front of their new building above the bush....
I did. E.H. Junior
I remember that well, and while visiting Lorain 5 years ago I saw it near my old house. I was pretty excited as I hadn't seen it or known where it was.
Uncle Ernie was my dad's brother, making us cousins. We left Lorain in 1966.
Take care!
I remember that sign. Saw it every time we used to go and visit our cousins in Lorain. Ironic I choose a career in HVAC. Good memories!
Post a Comment