The towering iconic Home of Economy sign stood watch along North Washington Street in Grand Forks since its installation during the early 1960s. Recognized for its unique “ice cream cone” shape, this double-sided monument epitomized Mid-Century signage and the legacy of a family-owned chain of North Dakota retail stores. Fifty years later, Mother Nature had taken her toll. Weathering faded the bold diagonal black and orange stripes. The familiar red and green neon letters lost their glow.

Enter the Ad Monkeys! Together with the store owners, we discussed the importance of saving this nostalgic piece that symbolized the glory days when their grandparents ran the business. Given our assignment, Ad Monkeys worked closely with a preferred sign vendor who, in just five short weeks, had this magnificent metal structure once again standing tall.

Following the success of this restoration, we repeated the process for the nearly identical Home of Economy signs in Devils Lake and Williston. Smaller versions in Grafton and Minot were also restored, complete with their trademark yellow arrow and circular pathway of incandescent chaser lights — each ready to direct traffic to the store’s front entrance for another 50 years. Alas, the signs came down in 2025 after the chain sold to a fellow farm and ranch retailer. Que sera, sera.