MORE THAN 110 YEARS OF INNOVATION, AND COUNTING
Founded in 1911, by Fred Schenck & Austin Woods. Since then, Columbus Sign Company has been the first choice as the partner and collaborator by Architects, Designers, Businesses, and Developers on major projects. Projects that have become a major part of the Columbus fabric and landscape.
1910 – 1920
1910
A “color enhanced” photo of a projecting installed from the early 1910’s. Notice the ladder to the side of the sign. These were common features on projecting signs to help with servicing illuminated signs.
1910s
Columbus Sign Company was known as experts in hand lettering in the early years of business. Shown in the photo is an example of the hand painted lettering on glass along with dimensional lettering completed in the 1910’s.
1911
On March 14, 1911, Columbus Sign Company was Founded by Fred Schenck and Austin Wood. Our first location was 116 1/2 S. High Street and we were at this location from 1911-1919.
1912
Inside of our office in early 1912.
1916
Banner shows advertisement of a $750.00 price for a new car.
1919
Our first Truck - Reo Speedwagon with information stating clients could reach use using "Both Phones".
1920
Our second location: 113 1/2 S. Pearl Street.
1921 – 1930
1920s
Neon, introduced in the 1920’s, was the most popular form for illuminating signage as it added additional attraction and design aesthetics. Neon would remain the most popular form for illumination until the 1950’s.
1923
Business Card - Fred Schenck.
1923
Our new and improved projecting sign with the incorporation of light bulbs for additional illumination.
1925
Image of our employee Rough Daughty applying gold leaf lettering to a sign.
1926
Art Hoy's business card from 1926.
1926
In 1926, Columbus Sign Company moved back to 39 W. State Street.
1929
Our interior office space in 1929.
1929
Showcards and painted signs were advertised on our exterior windows in 1929.
1931 – 1940
1932
In the early 1930's Columbus Sign Company moved their offices to 32 W. State Street.
1938
Herb Moesner became the sole owner of Columbus Sign Company in 1938 when Fred Schenck retired.
1939
In 1939, Columbus Sign Company moved location to 320 W. Main Street.
1941 – 1950
1940s
Project profile - example of hand painted lettering.
1950
When Herb Moesner retired late in 1949, Art and Bill purchased the Columbus Sign Company.
1951 – 1960
1950s
During the 1950’s, Columbus Sign Company would install these 8 foot tall letters during the winter months in such a way as to not damage or alter the building. This project continued for about a decade.
1950s
In the early 1950’s, a new logo using the font "Brush Script" was created and is still being used to date.
1950s
Columbus Sign Company’s work truck advertising hand painted and neon signs can be seen on the side of the truck.
1960
Columbus Sign Company moved to its current location in 1960 at 1515 E. 5th Avenue.
1961 – 1970
1960s
In the 1960's, Columbus Sign Company expanded our products to include Silk Screen and Plastic signs among others.
1960s
Our owner, Art Hoy's business card from the 1960's.
1960s
In the early 1960’s, Fluorescent lamps were chosen over neon as the form of illumination, mainly because of cost as the lamps were far less expensive, though not as bright.
1962
Columbus Sign Company participated in a national AD campaign for our gold leaf supplier in 1962.
1971 – 1980
1970s
Our sales associate's business card from the 1970's.
1970s
The hand-crank letter press was used on job sites to punch out individual adhesive vinyl letters which had to be spaced and applied individually.
1972
In 1972, Co-Owner Art Hoy retired, leaving Bill Hoy Sr. as the sole owner of Columbus Sign Company.
1975
In 1975, the City of Columbus makes major revisions to the Sign Code including the removal of abandoned signs and outlawing banners, streams and pennants.
1981 – 1990
1980s
Prior to the 1980's, Columbus Sign Company was known primarily for their hand lettering capabilities. All this changed when owner, Mike Hoy bought their first welder. Now Columbus Sign Company is known for their custom fabrication abilities.
1982
Mike Hoy began working full time in the 70s, and by the end of the decade, his brother Bill Hoy Jr. would join the family business. In 1982, Mike and Bill would become partners with their father in running Columbus Sign Company.
1982
Our sign receives a facelift as different materials and finishes became popular visuals.
1983
The Sign Maker 3 was a piece of equipment used to cut vinyl, plot and perforate paper for various patterns.
1987
Columbus Sign Company was tasked with refurbishing a historic organ for St. John's Lutheran Church. Work included gold leaf, hand painted elements and installation.
1991 – 2000
1990s
While LED's were first invented in the late 1920's and refind in the 1970's and 80's, it wasn't until the 90's that LED's were used in the signage industry.
Mid 1990s
In the mid-90's, Columbus Sign Company purchased a CNC router furthering their ability to custom fabricate signage and displays.
Mid 1990s
Columbus Sign Company purchased one of the first Gerber EDGE machines, allowing for multiple colors to be printed on a single substrate, furthering our custom fabrication abilities.
1992
In 1992, Columbus Sign Company worked on all the signage and graphics for the once-in-a-lifetime event, AmeriFlora. AmeriFlora was an event held at Franklin Park that would attract over 5 million visitors.
2001 – 2010
2000s
During the mid-2000's, Columbus Sign Company purchased its first digital printer in the early 2000’s. This equipment allowed printing of floor to ceiling super graphics, illuminated graphics and a myriad of other printing elements.
2001
In 2001, Columbus Sign Company remodeled their front office, allowing for further expansion of their business, creating a modern work environment.
2011 – 2021
2011
Columbus Sign Company hits the Century Mark! Happy 100 Years of Business.
2012
Designed Evolution was created to serve as the companies Design/Build firm that specializes in Sports and Athletic Environmental Graphics division.
2017
In 2017, Eric Hoy became partners with Father, Mike and Uncle, Bill, creating their 4th Generation Family Business.
2020
In 2020, Columbus Sign Company became an official partner with the Columbus Crew.
2021
July 3, 2021 marked the completion of a 1.5 year project for Columbus Sign Company, who was responsible for the fabrication and installation of all the signage and graphics at Lower.com Field.
