Wow, ok, so this sign is really swell. I wish I knew a bit of its history. It's not quite Googie, I don't know what to call it, but it's certainly a beautiful part of the otherwise drab OC skyline. Right around the corner from here is one of those ugly pre-fab shopping centers with a big ol' Target... zzz... I'll take this big teddy bear of a sign any day!
Vodie's Auto Center
1240 W 17th St
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 543-8297
11 comments:
Nice pic---
I've always dug that auto-repair related bear figure. He can still be spotted around older repair shops and garages.
Glad you're posting again.
He's officially know as "Happy Bear" or sometimes "Mr. Happy"
More Happy Bears pics here:
http://www.roadsidepeek.com/roadside/roadchar/rdbear/index.htm
And his history (including links to vintage images):
http://www.teambearusa.com/profile/
You can see more Orange County wonders also at MainTour.
I think the bears were representing the California state animal.
Great minds think alike.
Great minds think alike.
http://dudecantdraw.blogspot.com/2007/09/vodies.html
You must live near me, this blog is practically a step-by-step documentation of my commute to work.
You must live near me, this blog is practically a step-by-step documentation of my commute to work.
[sorry for the delete/repost, messed up the link]
My father used to take his van here years ago,many pleasent memories w/Happy Bear......
isn't this "Great Bear'"
like, back east?
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE HISTORY OF THE BEAR AND ALL IT STANDS FOR,OR IF YOU ARE A OLD CUSTOMER OF VODIES OR ANY BEAR SHOP I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.MY NAME IS RANDY I WAS BORN INTO THIS BUSINESS AND AM ONE OF THE OLDTIMERS.CALL ME AND LETS TALK.(951)551-1128 LOOK FORWARD TO TALKING TO YOU
The bear on the sign you see is the logo for "Bear Alignment" which is a very old logo. Google it and you will find all sorts of images and stories about the bear.
- Andrew
There’s a fantastic Vodie’s Happy Bear in Garden Grove. I got a great shot of it and it’s available on Shutterstock.
The Happy Bear sign was the mascot and logo for the Bear Manufacturing Company, a business established in 1917, and which lasted until 2009. The yellow Happy Bear character began appearing on signs since the 1920s. There are now only about three dozen of these signs on display in 11 states. The auto repair shop was built in 1939 in Garden Grove, CA.
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