Way Back When: The Largest Sign in Santa Barbara

(Image: Camera, September 13, 1919)

By Betsy J. Green

Imagine this – “Letters of White 18 Feet High and 12 Feet Broad.” And most folks in Santa Barbara would have to use their imagination to see it. The gigantic sign was painted on the black roof of the “Flying A” studio at Mission and Chapala streets 100 years ago.

“According to experienced flying men who have seen the sign, it can be seen by flyers passing over the city at an elevation of two miles. The American Film Company has painted the great sign to let the passing aviators know that Santa Barbara welcomes aviators.”