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December, 2017 The Antique Shoppe Page 29
Woodpecker Route
Continued from Page 17
But often was the case, the advertising overshadowed the intent
of the sign, to bring vital information to the traveler. So overbearing
were the signs, travelers, instead of catching a passing glance of the
signs, often slowed down or came to a complete stop to take in the
information, other than the promotional message.
As the lack of a standardized roadway system continued to build,
Florida adopted the recommendations of the American Association
of State Highway and Transportation Officials, in 1925. During the
next 10 years, travelers on the Woodpecker Route and other Florida
roadways witnessed more uniform roadway signs. The Florida
legislature enacted laws governing the placement and amount of
roadway signs and billboards too.
Originally, US highway routes in Florida were shaped as a shield.
Later on, in an effort to cut costs, the shield was replaced by a
square sign.
Echoes of Yesterday
A Mall for Antiques, Collectibles & Yesterday’s Items
Historic Downtown Area
109 Broadway, Kissimmee, FL 34741
(407) 847-2300
Mon-Sat 10-5 (Fri 10-4)
Visit us on Facebook:
Echoes of Yesterday Antique Mall
3 Fri-Mon DECEMBER 1, 2, 3, & 4
To help tourists easily navigate around
Florida, the State made US route signs color
coded. The color coded system would be
abandoned a short time later, as the Florida
Sun faded the signs easily and proved
costly to replace them. The Federal Highway
Administration eventually forced Florida
to adopt a standardized black and white
format or risk millions of dollars in federal
highway funding. Florida argued it would be
easier for drivers to follow a colored marker,
the federal government thought otherwise.
Florida officially stopped making colored
US Route signs on August 27, 1993.
Existing stock of colored signs was erected
until the inventory ran out in 1996. Colored
Florida US Route signs are highly coveted
by collectors and hard to find. The historical
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
95 Geneva Drive
Oviedo, FL 32765
Open 7 Days • Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 12-6pm
Central Florida’s Friendliest Antique Mall
Now over 12,500 Square Feet
100+ Dealers for your shopping Pleasure
Primitives, Antiques & Collectibles of All Types
Highwaymen Paintings are our Specialty
CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA SALE
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
8