Save Farine Five Roses

Thanks to everyone who has already visited the site and provided feedback, support, historical notes - and even anagrams. I apologize for the faulty email address (now fixed). I've posted some great anagrams in the gallery (keep them coming!); and, I'm working on the language issues right now. Finally, someone suggested setting up a petition on the site, so hopefully we'll have that up soon too. Keep your ideas and energy coming, and we'll keep you posted on any news about the sign.

Announcing a new article by Christopher DeWolf in Maisonneuve magazine on the politics of signage in Montréal. Sums up the issues facing those who argue that old signs are a legitimate target for architectural and design preservation. Nicely written too. There's a text-only, easy-access version of the article right here.

The famous Woodward's 'W' has graced the Vancouver skyline since 1944. It was erected on the roof of the Woodward's Department Store building four years before the Farine Ogilvie Flour sign appeared on the New Royal Mill in Montréal. The much-loved sign was temporarily removed from its perch in June 2006; rumour has it the sign will be restored and reinstated in a few years, thanks to the efforts of a local businessman. Vancouver appears to have a more enlightened view of its sign heritage, which includes coordinated moves to preserve much of its surviving neon. The City of Montréal needs to recognize that signs such as these are just as much part of our memories, our culture, our history, as the buildings and neighbourhoods they watch over. (Photograph cc 2006 by Aki Mimoto. More here.)