The historic neon sign at Fender’s River Road Resort in Needles, California, recently was removed so it can be restored.
Photographer KC Keefer, who launched a fundraising effort in early 2018 to restore the sign, sent out a news release Wednesday that stated:
The plan is to completely refurbish the neon “Motel” sign at Fenders River Road Resort. The sign was removed March 26 by SignCo in Fort Mohave, Arizona, and carefully transported to Kingman, Arizona, where the restoration began April 2.
“We are so lucky to have neon sign expert Matt Phillips of Legacy Signs and Iron in Kingman, Arizona, doing the restoration of the motel sign,” said co-organizer KC Keefer. “His skill and his enthusiasm are really appreciated.”
Full restoration cost at Legacy is $4,900 and the re-installation by SignCo will cost about $700.
“I just love saving these old neon signs,” said Matt Phillips.
Private and public fundraising has been ongoing and will continue, with 100% of all money raised being paid to our generous vendors. Additional help and resources donated by volunteers and neighbors has been critical to the project. The relighting of the sign will take place once we meet our financial obligation.
“We’re getting close to achieving our financial goal, and we are grateful for the terrific support,” said Fender’s Resort manager Rosie Ramos. “The worldwide Route 66 community is such an amazing group of caring people, and without them, we couldn’t do this.”
Keefer stated in a follow-up email another $1,900 needs to be raised for the sign. Donations can be made online here or by purchasing items in the resort’s gift shop. Donors will be added to the web page for recognition of their contributions and will receive a Fender’s key fob and decal.
Fender’s, which dates to the 1960s, sits on a section of highway that was once was part of the 1912 National Old Trails Road that linked Baltimore to Los Angeles as a precursor to Route 66.
(Images courtesy of KC Keefer)