A few years ago, I stumbled upon what has since become my favorite mid-century modern sign in Richmond. Of course, I’m talking about the Satellite Restaurant and Lounge on Jefferson Davis Highway.

Our encounters, though brief, were always during the day. Yet every time we passed I couldn’t help but wonder whether there was life in those old neon tubes. Last night, I found the answer to my question…

YES! There is indeed plenty of vibrancy in those swirling tubes! On this particular visit, I was fortunate to have photographer Jamie Betts in tow. We came back after the sun went down and captured this out-of-this-world sign in all its neon glory.

If you’re interested in a print of one of these amazing photos, contact Jamie. Tell him the Olivia at Retro Richmond sent you. I know I’ve already picked out the perfect place for my print!

If you’re not up too late raking in 2010 Thursday night, Tilman’s Auction in Powhatan is having a New Year’s Day auction filled with all kinds of mid-century goodies! But you’ll have to get to the auction block early, the gavel drops at 10 a.m.

Personally, i think the gem of this auction is the Rock-Ola 1426 Magic Glow jukebox fully loaded with 100 original Elvis records. Making its way onto the scene just after World War II, the Magic Glow 1426 was one of Rock-Ola’s answers to Wurlitzer’s model 1015 jukebox, which may be the most popular jukebox of all time.

Talk about a beautiful piece! I’ve never seen one nicer.

If anyone is still looking for a belated Christmas gift for me, this Rock-Ola 1426 will be perfect! What a gem!

Aside from a nice Coca-Cola vending machine and sign collection dating back to the 1920s, I’d have to say the other token piece of this auction is the vast collection of metal and porcelain signs - particularly those with Richmond connections. I’m a sucker for old advertising signs and Tilman’s got a great collection of them up for grabs. Here are a few of my favorites:

You can check out the rest of the photos from this fabulous auction here. If you go and happen to snatch up a treasure, send me a photo and I’ll feature you on my site. If anyone picks up that jukebox for me, I’ll let you know where you can deliver it!

I’ve taken so many photos for this site that sometimes one will slip right by me and get lost in the bunch. This photo of the Richmond Camera sign is no exception!

I’m glad I happened to stumble upon it today. It would be a shame not to share this beauty with everyone.

Richmond Camera Shop was founded by 21-year-old photographer James Bullard in 1938. Located at 121 E. Grace St., Bullard’s quaint shop was the first of its kind in the Richmond area. Today, there are about 10 Richmond Camera locations.

This sign marks Richmond Camera’s flagship store on East Grace, a few doors down from Perly’s Delicatessen, another Richmond landmark.

Here’s a picture of Richmond’s original camera shop in all its glory.

The neon is gone, but the lights are still on at the Hull Street 1 Hour Cleaners.

Located across the street from the Lighthouse Diner in Richmond’s Manchester District, this faded orange-and-white sign serves as a reminder of the area’s heyday.

The Manchester area of Hull Street saw a surge in development between 1880 and 1949. With that development came some great examples of modern design in Richmond. Today, many of the area storefronts remain vacant.

Fortunately, with the influx of art galleries moving into the community, there’s a slow but steady revitalization of this once-flourishing area. Maybe one day great signs like this will get the proper restoration and care they deserve.

Last week, I received a message from Retro Richmond reader Dino:

… wanted to pass along an interesting sign in Richmond. There’s a pool hall/restaurant called the Triple which is across from channel 6 on broad street.

been there since about the 60’s i think. very cool sign.

So Dino, this one’s for you!

Located at 3306 W. Broad St., The Triple is not your average local pool hall. In addition to your standard billiards, The Triple — previously known as The Triple Triangle until renovations took place a few years ago — also showcases art and music by local artists.

I haven’t been able to find any info about when this sign was erected, so if anyone knows for sure, please let me know. But judging by the design and construction of the sign, I think the 1960s is probably pretty accurate.

Is there a mid-century sign or building you’d like to see featured on this site? Send your suggestions to me at olivia@retrorichmond.com.

Also on an exciting note, Retro Richmond was mentioned on Retro Renovation! If you haven’t visited Pam’s fabulous site, take a moment to do so. Tons of great stuff on there!

It started with a passing look.

He wasn’t much on the eyes at first glance, but his sign drew me in. The sleek curves. The cosmic design. The retro blue, red and yellow color scheme. I knew I had to come back for more.

During our second meeting, we got to know each other a little more. Upon closer inspection, I could tell I liked his style. He knew how to mix brick and concrete like the best of them. His decorative concrete block wall was beautiful, yet coy — giving a limited view to his doorway.

His diamond wall detailing was both unexpected and striking. A lovely mid-century touch you don’t see anymore.

But it wasn’t until I learned what was on the inside that I truly fell in love. Peering through the glass windows into the restaurant, I was greeted by glossy black linoleum flooring, a row of blue vinyl booths, and three, yes three, brass Sputnik hanging lamps (a perfect lighting choice for this cosmic gem).

His gorgeous diamond wall pattern was carried into the restaurant, seeking refuge behind the bar. The rest rooms were clearly defined by an old red-and-white light-up sign. Yes, I knew in an instant it was love.

Unfortunately our short-lived romance was never meant to be, for I had other beautiful buildings to photograph and he had patrons to serve. But I will never forget him and next time I’m at 4000 Jefferson Davis Highway perhaps our paths will cross once more.

If you’re driving down Midlothian Turnpike, there’s a good chance you might miss this sign amid the hustle and bustle and the strip-mall madness. But next time you’re in the 7800 block, take a minute to stop by the Buford Shopping Center and bask in the true beauty of this fabulous boomerang sign.

I’m getting ready to grab brunch at the wonderful Dot’s Back Inn (photos and post coming soon!) and then start my day of photographing some of the fabulous mid-century architecture Richmond has to offer. But before I do, I wanted to share this fun and simple sign.

With a great sign like that The Bridge Center, located at 1600 Bishop Road behind the Krispy Kreme, has to be the most happening game hall in Richmond! I would love to sneak a peak inside. I bet it’s a retro dream!

(Please excuse the power line shadows)

The concept of this sign is fantastic. I love the mix of painted brick and red, glossy tile. I also like the way the designer framed the sign using a different type of brick. It really draws the eye in. When it comes to great mid-century signs in Richmond, The Bridge Center definitely has an ace up its sleeve.

I’m going to be out and about this weekend taking photos of mid-century buildings, signs and anything else that sparks my interest. But before I do, I’d like to get some reader input. Do you have a favorite mid-century marvel in Richmond? If so, which one? Do you have any special memories tied to it that you’d like to share?

I have a long list of places to go, but if there’s somewhere in particular that you’d like to see featured on the site, please let me know. I love special requests!

I’d also like to take minute to say welcome and thank you to all my readers. I hope you’ve been enjoying this blog as much as I’ve enjoyed creating it.

One of the many things I love about Northside is all the fun and interesting places tucked throughout the community. There’s Bellevue Cleaners, Dot’s Back Inn and, of course, the Esso station. Located at 6920 Lakeside Ave., the 1950s gas station-turned-museum is one of Richmond’s little-known treasures.

Unlike many other mid-century buildings in the area, this Esso station is in pristine shape. The white tiles are shiny and clean, the red trim is vibrant, the shed roof is in excellent condition. It’s always refreshing to see an appreciation for great architecture and design, and it’s clear that this building is much loved.

But perhaps what’s even more special about this building is not the condition of its outside, but the treasure it holds inside. Behind the glass bay doors is a trove of antique cars and memorabilia from the gas station’s past.

Old signs, coolers and gas pumps serve as props in the elaborate retro window displays — complete with mannequins dressed in authentic vintage attire — reminiscent of the Macy’s windows in New York City.

Many of the cars and displays change throughout the year. And for all you “Back to the Future” fans, there’s even a Delorean mixed in among the bunch. The building is rarely open to the public, but it’s still just as fun to press your face against the glass and take in all the retro wonders.