I have very little information on these two photos of the Brown Derby sign being moved, other than they came from an episode of “Full Custom Garage” called “Funky Junk.” The word “Wilshire” appears at the bottom, so I guess it’s the neon sign that used to sit atop the original Brown Derby restaurant at 3377 Wilshire Blvd, opposite the Ambassador Hotel. That place closed down in September 1980, so maybe it was rescued before demolition and transported by ??? to ???. I’d like to think it still exists somewhere. The Neon Museum has a Brown Derby sign, but I believe it’s the one from Vine St, Hollywood. At any rate, I’m glad someone caught these images.
** UPDATE ** According to in_the_neon_city on Instagram: “It lives in a collectors warehouse in Southern California.”
This is shot from the 1940s (probably from a film) showing the sign in place.
Someone must have it
I watched a short YouTube episode about I Love Lucy and the Brown Derby. I see that the Original Brown Derby Top is used in that shopping center, from what is said in the video. Be cool if they could get that sign to go with it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urGAyZBwCm8
I don’t know if this works? Titled, I Love Lucy the Brown Derby Location.
The third Brown Derby opened was also on Wilshire Blvd., but in Beverly Hills across from the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Could be that one.
Episode (season 6, episode 4) description reads “Ian takes on a vintage project for a Hollywood picture car coordinator.”
Thanks, Keith.