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December, 2017 The Antique Shoppe Page 29
Woodpecker Route To help tourists easily navigate around
Florida, the State made US route signs color
Continued from Page 17
coded. The color coded system would be
abandoned a short time later, as the Florida
But often was the case, the advertising overshadowed the intent Sun faded the signs easily and proved
of the sign, to bring vital information to the traveler. So overbearing costly to replace them. The Federal Highway
were the signs, travelers, instead of catching a passing glance of the Administration eventually forced Florida
signs, often slowed down or came to a complete stop to take in the to adopt a standardized black and white
information, other than the promotional message. format or risk millions of dollars in federal
As the lack of a standardized roadway system continued to build, highway funding. Florida argued it would be
Florida adopted the recommendations of the American Association easier for drivers to follow a colored marker,
of State Highway and Transportation Officials, in 1925. During the the federal government thought otherwise.
next 10 years, travelers on the Woodpecker Route and other Florida Florida officially stopped making colored
roadways witnessed more uniform roadway signs. The Florida US Route signs on August 27, 1993.
legislature enacted laws governing the placement and amount of Existing stock of colored signs was erected
roadway signs and billboards too. until the inventory ran out in 1996. Colored
Originally, US highway routes in Florida were shaped as a shield. Florida US Route signs are highly coveted
Later on, in an effort to cut costs, the shield was replaced by a by collectors and hard to find. The historical
square sign. road markers are popular décor items
found in eateries, sports bars, and saloons.
Traveling the original Woodpecker Route
is gaining interest, as traveler grow wearing
of the multi-lane, high speed limit interstate
highways, I-75 and I-95. In 2005, the State
of Georgia designated State Route 121 officially as “The Woodpecker
Trail”.
Such designation has attracted many to enjoy the southern
communities, farmlands, parks and historic homes. Efforts in
Florida designate State Route 121 and portions of Highway 441 as
the Woodpecker Route have staled. Even without the designation,
travelers, historians, nature lovers and the just plain curious will find
enjoyment taking in all the Woodpecker route has to offer.
Photos courtesy of Florida Historical Archives, gowoodpecker.weebly.com, & Everett Parker.
Used with Permission.
Richard Stanley Farneski is a freelance writer focusing on Florida art history and historical
architectural design.
Oviedo Antique Mall
Echoes of Yesterday 95 Geneva Drive
Oviedo, FL 32765
A Mall for Antiques, Collectibles & Yesterday’s Items
Historic Downtown Area Open 7 Days • Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 12-6pm
109 Broadway, Kissimmee, FL 34741 Central Florida’s Friendliest Antique Mall
Now over 12,500 Square Feet
(407) 847-2300 100+ Dealers for your shopping Pleasure
Mon-Sat 10-5 (Fri 10-4) Primitives, Antiques & Collectibles of All Types
Visit us on Facebook: Highwaymen Paintings are our Specialty
Echoes of Yesterday Antique Mall CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA SALE
3 Fri-Mon DECEMBER 1, 2, 3, & 4
Storewide Sales up to 50% off. Complimentary hot & cold
buffet all 4 days. Free Gift with Purchase $30 or more.
Just in...huge selection of vintage and antique Christmas decor.
Ornaments, blowmold figures, wreaths and more.
Website: oviedoantiquemall.com PH:407-366-3668
Email: oviedoantiquemall@gmail.com Toll Free 866-824-9336
Watch batteries installed $5 to $12 each
by 40 year veteran watch and
clockmaker. Full service clock repairs.
Make Downtown Oviedo
Your All Day Antique Destination!
2 antique shops, (25,000 sq. ft.)
& A thrift store within easy walking distance.
We stock Maison Blanche
Paints & Products
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