Little America Tavern Sign C. 1936

One of the most recognizable taverns in the history of the Village of Huntley, IL, was Little America. From the business cards covering the ceiling to the ankle deep peanut shells on the floor, stories flow from the resident's minds like rivers when discussing the property.

In 1936, Little America opened for business on what was then the far north side of town. The structure was pre-fabricated, and constructed piece by piece on the site. Each owner had their own quirks, but stories exist of one owner, whom did not like motorcyclists. When one would come, he would lock the doors.
The peanut shells were always a big story. The floor was littered with them, ankle deep. Seeing as this was a time when smoking was allowed indoors in Illinois, it is amazing the place did not burn down! The fire chief eventually put the kibosh on the peanut shells, and all were piled up into a pile about five feet high!
After over forty years in business, the tavern property was purchased by the State Bank of Huntley for their new facility. The business closed in 1979, and the building was dismantled and moved west of town where it still stands.

This monster of a sign measures 19 feet across, and is made up of two sections of metal framing and wood. It dates to about 1936, and the letters are hand cut wood, not plywood. The penguins have glass eyes, and while there are a few pieces broken off, most of the pieces are in my possession and just need to be reattached. It stood on the ridge of the roof for over forty years, and I was told "disappeared" before the building was dismantled. It is amazing it has survived, and while I have a lot of signs, including many local pieces, this remains a favorite!