Saturday, August 15, 2009

Rest and Rela in Wisconsin

I've been hanging out in western Wisconsin this weekend, and came across this fine example of sign degeneration:

Removable letter sign reading RE ST RELA E-GEN
I think that last word is supposed to be RE-GENERATE, but I can't be sure.

Just down the road from the the Re St Rela sign is this all-purpose Wisconsin retail business:

Red barn with large sign reading The Loft then smaller words, LIQUOR CHEESE ESPRESSO ANTIQUES
That's quite a combination. If you were wondering, there actually is a full-service bar inside that barn, plus a coffee bar, a bunch of cheese, and a whole floor of antiques.

Small can labeled Teat Dilator
Here's one fun package from the Loft antique store.

Art deco tin of potato chips, promoting Scientifically Processed Potato Chips
And another package. Check out the "scientifically processed" potato claim. Somehow, I don't find that reassuring. (From the Loft antique store.)

Cover of the National Review with collaged image of Ronald Reagan
A 1966 cover of the National Review. This would have been when Reagan was running for his first term as governor of California. Nice illustration! (From the Loft antique store.)

Book cover of Prayers for Children with two oddly drawn alien-looking children on it
Wow, those are some creepy children! (From the Loft antique store.)

Book in a box, with cover reading Chlorella, etc.
I also got a chance to check out a small-town library book sale. While perusing the tables, I came across this cover, and confess I misread the title as Cholera: The Key to Health, Vitality and Longevity. Which, of course, made absolutely no sense! So after a double take, I realized it actually said Chlorella (a kind of algae). Yet another example of why Linnaeus is not always the best source for brand names.

Beige rectangular building with small sign reading Convenience Foods
And finally, down the road, I saw this ultimate example of generic labeling. Yum! It makes me hungry just looking at it.

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