Legacy Signs of Texas creates signs every day. We’re always taking custom requests and trying to help businesses and communities share their messages with the world. Every once in a while, a special opportunity arises, and we get to make something that means a little more than most signs. Replicating the Crazy sign in Mineral Wells is a great example of that. It was a significant project, and its creation involves a great story about community, history, and coming together.
History of the Mineral Wells’ Unique Sign
The Crazy sign is a major landmark in Mineral Wells’s history. The original sign was made in 1933 and adorned the street for decades. It read “Welcome to Mineral Wells — Home of Crazy.” Residents and visitors both loved it and the unique atmosphere it brought to the area. Unfortunately, it was taken down in 1958. According to historical records, the sign was removed because it attracted birds and crickets. It’s an odd part of the story, and some speculate that these were excuses made by businesses in the area. Whether or not that is true, the sign was ultimately removed and sold for scrap.
Planning the Replica Sign
Almost 70 years later, the Leadership Mineral Wells Class 24 decided to remake the sign and restore this part of Mineral Wells’s history. The project was surprisingly involved. Simply putting up a new sign could have been done, but instead, Cory Crenshaw — president of the class — was determined to make the new Crazy sign a permanent part of the community. In order to fulfill this dream, he had to mobilize a large effort and execute a well-formed, long-term plan. It was no simple feat.
Planning for the new sign began all the way back in 2017. Determined to make it durable and low-maintenance, Class 24 undertook intense fundraising to purchase a high-quality sign. Over $120,000 was raised in two years. Ultimately, the patience was worth it. The class raised enough funds, and with that money, the class was able to move forward with fabricating the sign.
Legacy Signs Takes On the Task
That job was given to Legacy Signs of Texas and began in November of 2019. By spring, the sign was ready, and it is a beast. The sign itself is constructed of aluminum surface panels and built on a steel structure. The sign is 12 feet high and 55 feet across. It also has a 19-foot road clearance, which is well above regulatory requirements. It spans the width of Highway 281, right by the Baker Hotel. It stands as close as possible to the location of the original sign.
The structure for the sign is 80 feet and crosses the highway. The whole thing is rated to withstand winds up to 150 miles per hour, which should be enough for even the worst Mineral Wells weather. All of the lights are durable, efficient LEDs, and the sign was constructed to maximize its lifespan and minimize any required maintenance. Class 24 is hoping that it will remain for a hundred years or more. Hopefully, birds and crickets won’t be an issue this time around.
The sign was officially dedicated in April of 2020. It kicks off “Light the Night Crazy,” an event intended to celebrate the community’s history. There was a crawfish boil, coffee, cocktails, and a bike event. It was a great moment for Mineral Wells that centered on celebrating one of the unique landmarks in the area.
Signs can mean a lot of different things to each person. Sometimes, a sign is just telling you what to do or where to go. Other times, a sign like this can become a part of a culture. Uniqueness lends to storytelling, and a sign can become part of the mythos of a region. The Crazy sign certainly fits that mold, and with its reintroduction, we have yet another reason to celebrate Mineral Wells.
If you have a sign that means something to you, or if you have smaller needs, Legacy Signs of Texas can make it and install it for you. We’re passionate about our work, and we’ll be happy to bring that passion to your project too. Contact us today to get started.