Gold Medal Flour Sign - Morning
The massive Golden Medal Flower sign is one of the most iconic sights along the downtown Minneapolis riverfront. Built in 1910 and sitting atop of elevator #1 of the retired and restored Washburn "A" Mills complex, the sign is 42 feet wide by 45 feet high and reaches 250 feet above street level. Originally lit by 1500 tungsten lightbulbs (can you imagine having to change those? No thanks!), it was relit with neon in 1945.
As for name "Gold Medal Flour", apparently it originates from an 1880 international exhibition in which the Washburn Crosby Milling Company (predecessor to General Mills Company) won top honors for this product. Prior to that it was known as "Superlative Flour". I for one feel an opportunity was really missed there - I would love to see that name on top of the mill!!
Maybe I'll do another drawing where I'll replace the sign....😉
As for name "Gold Medal Flour", apparently it originates from an 1880 international exhibition in which the Washburn Crosby Milling Company (predecessor to General Mills Company) won top honors for this product. Prior to that it was known as "Superlative Flour". I for one feel an opportunity was really missed there - I would love to see that name on top of the mill!!
Maybe I'll do another drawing where I'll replace the sign....😉