RubberBuzz || Akron Unleashed: Save the BJ!

5.13.2005

Save the BJ!

What's wrong with you people? The BJ sign is not for scrapping or stripping!

By midafternoon Thursday, the company had received a dozen calls from people who wanted the 26-foot-tall stainless steel column for its scrap value (perhaps $1,500 to $2,000) and a handful who wanted it for various projects.

Among the more intriguing: Local junkyard artist P.R. Miller has proposed moving it to Canal Park, stripping off the covering and using the skeleton as a vase for a gigantic metal flower.

While I love the idea of using the BJ as art, why can't the art project honor the local historical-ness of the sign? Take the guts out and leave the outside intact if you want a giant vase. Or maybe I'm misunderstanding and that's what art guy meant. But the Beacon should make sure they get the details of what the new owner has in store before they decide the fate of the BJ. I'm going to be very angry in them if they hand over BJ to some scrap-freak. The BJ sign is a fun part of Akron history and should be treated as such.

You know what Akron needs? A Neon Museum, one of those graveyards for cool old signs that people can ~~climb on while drinking~~ appreciate while completely sober. You know, like Vegas has. Then the BJ sign can be, respectfully, laid to rest.

Or make your dumb vase and send the giant BJ letters my way. Whatever.

Beacon Journal :: Artist among those seeking clock tower

(Mia :: Save the BJ!)

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