National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon — HANK LOVES NEON

Tucked alongside the Columbia river about an hour and a half east of Portland, The National Neon Sign Museum glitters as a hidden gem. Proprietor, collector, and neon artist David Benko has curated a display that honors the origins of the commercial luminous tube industry.

Like a bug at midnight, what I came for was the light. But what truly drew me in and surprised me was the rich history on display. The industry and art form has come a long way, and not always for the better. But by honoring and documenting the roots, the future of neon looks a little brighter.

'Used Cars / Cadillac Service / Mobilgas' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Clause Neon Russel Electric' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Claude Neon Signs' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Drugs' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Drink Coca-Cola at our fountain' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Buster Brown Shoes' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

Color sample tubes at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Dapper pig' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

Wide view of the exhibit at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Super Chevrolet Service' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Neon / Argon' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

Metal worker at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

Chef at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

Cadillac Service at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

Mobilgas at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

Greyhound sign at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Borden's Ice Cream' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Cooks Paint' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

Martini glass at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Red goose' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Paints' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

Oregon Motor Hotel at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

Metal worker at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Waiting Room / Ticket Office' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Used Cars / Mobilgas / Chevrolet Service' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Shell' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Pittsburgh Paints / Smooth as Glass' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Steaks' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Herkert Meisel' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Service' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Good Year Tires' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Steaks / Drugs' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Hot Ham Hot Dogs' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

Animated metal worker at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Osbon Hotel Enterance' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Open' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Oregon Motor Motel / Entrance' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon

'Oregon Motor Motel' at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon