Monday, May 2, 2011

It's a Sign!

Gwyn Stupar sent us some photos and a brief account to answer the question: so how did three

"No Trespassing: Property of the Illinois Terminal System"signs mysteriously appear on the property by Barn 2, Karsten's Crossing, and Johnson Siding?

Joe Stupar's idea to give the property a special sparkle for this past weekend's festivities came to life with the help of Joel Arendt, Warren Lloyd, Greg Kepka, and Dan and Jon Fenlaciki. First, Joel Ahrendt climbed high up to photograph the valuable original. Joe took the copy and produced a life-sized replica that was later mounted to cardboard. Joe and Gwyn meticulously cut the stencil to perfection. Joel prepared the white wooden signs, which were later masked and sprayed by Ray Weart and Warren Lloyd.

On Saturday morning, the Fenlackis graciously drove throughout the property strategically hanging the signage. At the end of the evening, one lucky visitor got to take the handiwork home for a $75.00 donation. If you are interesting in obtaining your own replica, please contact Joe Stupar at jstupar@irm.org. The original sign can be viewed in Barn 6. All proceeds benefit the museum.

























Top left, Joe Stupar working on the stencil; top right, the signs in the shop; bottom left, Dan Fenlaciki loading signs into the car; bottom right, Dan and Jon Fenlaciki putting up a sign. All photos by Gwyn Stupar.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, that is an awesome fund raising idea!

John Csoka
IRM Western Division

Anonymous said...

Next, how about some of the old 'Great Danger' no trespassing signs that used to adorn the bridges on the TMER&L? Does such a sign still exist?

Anonymous said...

Those were stamped sheet metal with raised letters and border. A little harder to do.

Joel Ahrendt said...

Wood signs. Easy.. Stamped metal signs difficult.