**Tyler Collector Transforms Home into Vintage Sign Haven, Dreams of Public Museum**
TYLER – Robert Long, a 65-year-old Tyler resident, has dedicated decades to preserving East Texas history, one vintage sign at a time, transforming his Azalea District home into an unofficial museum. With hundreds of historical markers and advertisements adorning his property, Long harbors an ambitious goal: to establish a full-blown public museum for his expansive collection of East Texas signs.
Long's passion for signs runs deep, rooted in a family legacy. His family owned "Sign of the Times" for eighty years, with his grandfather opening the business in 1946. Long himself represented the third generation, operating the company from 1982 until its sale in 2012. Among his cherished possessions is an original "Sign of the Times" sign dating back to 1946.
His personal collecting journey began in 1980 with the purchase of a "Welcome" sign from a pawn shop, though he credits 1990 as the year his commitment to collecting truly solidified. Today, his remarkable inventory includes pieces from the 1930s and 40s, such as a "Mrs. Jones' Cafe" sign and an old "Speed Queen" advertisement.
The collection features several iconic "Tyler" signs that trace the city's visual history. Long possesses a reproduction of the original 1930s "Welcome to Tyler" sign, which once marked the old city limit. Another "Tyler" sign from the 1950s originated from a gas station on Highway 64. He also proudly displays a massive "WELCOME TO TYLER" sign from the 1960s, which previously graced an old Dairy Queen, and a "Tyler, Rose Capital of the World" sign from the 1940s or 50s. Notably, Long personally restored the "Tyler" sign currently installed on Highway 64, a project completed approximately 15 years ago.
Beyond Tyler-specific memorabilia, his collection spans regional history, including a 1958 Texaco sign and various Dr Pepper and Gulf signs from the 1950s. These treasures are meticulously stored and displayed in a substantial 40-foot by 20-foot shed on his property, which Long navigates with a golf cart to showcase the impressive array.
Long views these signs as more than just relics; he sees them as "art and architecture," essential components of East Texas's cultural and commercial past. He expresses concern about the disappearance of "ghost signs" – old advertisements fading on buildings – and believes his collection offers a crucial glimpse into a bygone era. His long-term vision is to establish a permanent museum where the public can appreciate and learn from these vibrant pieces of local history.
