Seaford business “signs up” to preserve local history
SEAFORD, Del. – In Seaford, there is a roadside attraction that might catch your eye on Route 13.
Seeing the Signs
The collection of towering signs is tucked behind Phillips Signs Inc. and is the work of Cole Phillips. He said preserving local history is more than just a hobby; it is a personal mission.
“I’m very into history, classic cars, and stuff. I spend a lot of my time trying to preserve history as best I can,” Phillips said.
When Phillips, his father Ben, and their crew are not designing and hanging new signs, they are taking down old ones.
“For years, when my dad would take a sign down, he would just throw it in a pile and save it. We’d scrap it or get rid of it or whatever, and eventually, I cleaned up the giant pile of signs and went through and picked out the old, cool ones, and hung them up,” Phillips said.
Preserving Past Artwork
As Phillips tells it, the neon sign business is fading, but it is one worth preserving.
“A lot of the reason is the cost of maintenance. It’s very high, and there is a lot of service on them. That’s why all of these were taken down … I probably spend a day or two every month doing something with the neon [signs] out front to keep them fully functional,” Phillips said.
The KFC bucket is one of Phillips’ favorites, as well as an original Arby’s sign—one of less than a hundred left in the country. The assortment also includes an old neon beauty that once helped bring customers into Apple Discount Drugs in Salisbury.
Phillips said he is willing to save any retro sign—especially those with local roots—from the scrap yard. It helps that he has all the necessary equipment on hand. After all, some of the larger displays weigh thousands of pounds.
“Being in the [sign] businesses, it’s nice because we have cranes to pick them up, set them on poles, and everything,” Phillips said.
A Host of History
Phillips’ love for local history is not just about stuff that lights up, though. On this property, you will also find corn cribs and meat houses that are over a century old. Phillips moved them from their original location and worked to restore them for others to appreciate and learn from.
And, the collection doesn’t end outside. Phillips Signs Inc. is home to literal warehouses full of Americana. They are stuffed with signs, both small and enormous, and classic cars in pristine condition. The entire collection is bold and beautiful, which is the primary point for Phillips.
“Why would I throw it away when I can hang it up and let someone enjoy it?” Phillips said.
Want to get a closer look at the collection? Phillips said he is willing to show it off to anyone interested. Phillips Sign Inc. is located at 20874 Sussex Highway, Seaford, Del.
