One of my initial features in Forgotten New York nearly 20 years ago concerned the gigantic neon signs built to attract notice from motorists on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and the IND F elevated, both of which rise 90 feet above the Gowanus Canal to allow tall-masted ships to pass under them. Though the Eagle Clothes sign and Kentile neon signs are now gone, I’m happy to report that Bruno truck rental is still holding forth, as well as the “R” on what was the E.J. Trum billboard at #80 Richards Street at Delevan.
In 2000 I wrote:
When John Turano bought the building in 1978, intending to make it a furniture manufacturer warehouse, the previous business to occupy the site was paper-goods manufacturer E.J. Trum, and Trum’s gigantic sign occupied the frame. When Turano attempted to pull down the letters to install his own sign, the “R” wouldn’t budge, and the lone “R” has been a part of Red Hook’s landscape for 22 years. The first period is still in place, as well.
Today #80 Richards is a warehouse for
Idea Nuova Global, Inc. develops, manufactures, and distributes home, room decor, and lifestyle products in the United States and internationally. The company’s products include bedding, pillows, lighting, rugs, window coverings, bath accessories, towels, slumber, decorative accessories, furniture, and toys. It also provides licensed products from other manufacturers/brands. The company offers products for tweens/teens and young adults/adults. It sells its products through a network of retailers. The company was founded in 1987 and is based in New York, New York with additional offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia. [Bloomberg.com]
Glad to see that R is still hanging in there, literally. Does anyone have a picture of the complete E. J. Trum sign?
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11/9/18