Mid-century Philly: Spruce Food Market
For today’s mid-century Parker & Mullikin, we turn to the 1500 block of Spruce Street for a revelation in moderne neon.
One of Center City’s classic neon signs sits above the Spruce Food Market. Isn’t it fabulous that this streamlined facade and sign are still intact?
In this image from 1950, the block looks very similar to today. Note the Town Garage’s sign (“Enter one block north on Latimer Street”) hanging from the Spruce Street facade. The neon signs in the windows read: “Garden Fresh Produce, Ocean Fresh Seafood,” (I think) “Nicely Cut-Up Poultry, Quality Meats” and “Spruce Food Market,” as though the larger sign wasn’t sufficient.
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This image is part of the Parker & Mullikin collection held by the Free Library’s Print and Picture Collection.
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Eyes on the Street
Eyes on the Street brings new ideas and fresh voices into the conversation about Philadelphia’s changing cityscape.
