After 30 Years, Historic Manor Neon Sign to Shine Again

From the City of San Leandro

For the first time in more than 30 years, the historic Manor Shopping Center neon sign will be illuminated on May 24, 2013.

The Optimist Club of San Leandro and the City of San Leandro split the $13,400 cost of restoring the neon sign, with the City using funds from its Commercial Rehabilitation Program. 

“The Manor Shopping Center neon sign is part of San Leandro’s history and adds to the beauty and character of the Washington Manor neighborhood,” stated Mayor Cassidy. “We are extremely thankful to the Optimist Club for its initiative and generous donation that made this project possible. We look forward to partnering with other community and private groups to preserve our history and enhance our neighborhoods.”

The sign is situated at the corner of Manor Boulevard and Farnsworth Street in the shopping center originally built in the 1950s. The current owner of the property, Larry Fingerut, was 18 years old when he watched a large crane set the tall vertical piece of the sign in place.

Fingerut had been working in his father’s shoe store at the time. After the original owner passed away in the 1970s, his heir sold the property to Fingerut, who has maintained ownership since.

Fingerut recalled the sign was “visible from Bay-O-Vista” when it was lit. Unfortunately, significant damage was sustained at the top of the sign, compromising the sign’s viability, around the time the contracted neon company disbanded, and it has been dark since.

Now, more than 30 years later, no one is more excited about the refurbishing of the sign than Fingerut, who holds dear memories of the center, both as a young man and as a 60 year resident of the Manor.