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History on the Move: The Paul Revere Sign
From the 1950s through the mid 1970s, few children or adults ever forgot the sight of
Paul Revere galloping across the New Bedford skyline. The 25’x40’ neon sign sat atop
the Revere Copper Products factory along the waterfront. Revere Copper came to New
Bedford in 1860 to provide copper to the whaling and textile industries. And yes, it is the
same Revere Copper founded by Paul Revere of Revolutionary era fame. Revere
Copper started in a small mill in Canton around 1801 and grow into the largest
independent fabricator of copper, brass and bronze in the United States.
The neon in the sign failed in the 1970’s but it was damage incurred by Hurricane Bob
in 1991 that seemed to seal the sign’s demise. In 1994, the sign was removed intact by
Reis Asphalt/ABC Demolition. They donated the sign to WHALE who formed a coalition
to restore and remount the neon sign on I-195 atop an electronic message board.
Revere Copper Products matched donations, Sherwin-Williams donated paint and two
local sign companies donated assistance as well as support and resources from the
City of New Bedford and then mayor Frederick Kaliz. But much of the actual work was
done by students at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School.
Relit in 1998, travelers along 195 could see Paul Revere on horseback once again,
galloping east toward the city.
But time and weather continued to take a toll. Maintenance was difficult given the
location and despite valiant efforts to retain and reuse the sign in other locations, it was
removed in 2014 and placed in storage.
Things are hopefully looking brighter for this iconic Neon Williams one of the country’s oldest and most established neon shops, has the sign since 2017. Located in Somerville, MA, the company is working on the next steps of the signs restoration and finding sponsors and funds to assist. Though Paul won’t be riding over
New Bedford again, a part of our history will light up another community and hopefully
be as much of a visual landmark as he was for the city.
This “From the Archives” selection was chosen by our new team member Felicity, who
remembers the sign on 195 from her childhood.
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