Ice

ICE

1920s

Donated by Ken Stewart

Restored by Michael Flechtner

The two faced ICE sign from San Bernardino County’s Mountain Water Ice Company features an early technique corrugated sheet metal and elevated lettering, which

provides a depth and texture that can truly be appreciated upon closer inspection. The Gabriel Brothers moved to San Bernardino County from Lebanon sometime in 1905-1910 in search for better opportunities. They became involved in the earliest forms of refrigeration and went on to establish about 5 or 6 ice plants, from Chico all the way to San Diego. The sign was possibly fabricated by Federal Sign Company, a local San Bernardino sign company. It features two transformers; originally the tubes were neon red and white phosphor, inspired by their major competitor, Union Ice Company’s logo. Doug Rickert of Bud Rickert’s Art Center acquired the functioning sign in 1991. Upon acquisition he chose to make the sign more novel by changing the white phosphor arrow to a cobalt blue filled with argon gas. Doug’s interest in the sign was twofold: he was a neon enthusiast and he also wanted to preserve a sign that was located just next to the Art Center’s first location. After losing his neon warehouse, Doug donated the sign to Ken Stewart, who then donated it to MONA. Although some tubes were broken in the process, the sign has been recently restored by Michael Flechtner in Doug Rickert’s preferred colors.