Neon Lights in Bryan-College Station
Neon lighting consists of brightly glowing, electrified glass tubes or bulbs that contain rarefied neon or other gases. Neon lights are a type of cold cathode gas-discharge light.
Originally envisioned as a new and unique source of lighting, the neon light quickly evolved into the function we know them as today. The Neon Lights first became popular amongst business owners in the early 1900’s. A French engineer and inventor named Georges Claude first presented neon tube lighting in its modern form at the Paris Motor Show in December of 1910 as an alternative lighting source. His business partner, Jacques Fonseque, quickly saw the possibilities for a business based on signage and advertising. By 1913 large neon lighting for the vermouth Cinzano illuminated the night sky in Paris, and by 1919, neon lights adorned entrance to the Paris Opera.
Neon lights were received with exciting enthusiasm in the United States. In 1923, business-man Earle C. Anthony purchased two neon signs from Claude for his Packard car dealership in Los Angeles, California. Upon installation in his dealership, the neon lights literally stopped traffic. Claude held a monopoly on neon lights in the United States through his US patents and following Anthony's success with neon signs, Claude was able to franchise his business with many companies throughout the country. In most situations, these franchise companies were given exclusive licenses for the production of neon signs in a given geographical area. By 1931, the value of the neon sign business exploded to $16.9 million, the equivalent of $275 Million Dollars today. A significant percentage of these earnings were paid to Claude Neon Lights, Inc. through the franchising arrangements. Claude's principal patent expired in 1932, which led to an enormous increase in the production of neon lights.
Neon lights have always been a mainstay in business and for advertising, but saw a decline in market value until the recent the insurgence of nostalgia led the rapid increase in its popularity.
Call the Neon Highpointfessionals at Highpoint to learn more. 979-774-0100