Manitowoc's first blackout

Date

• ca. 1941

Publisher

Manitowoc, Wisconsin: Aluminum Goods Manufacturing Co.

Summary

• This small picture shows part of the roof of the Aluminum Goods Manufacturing Company Plant 2 rolling mill in Manitowoc, Wisconsin as it appeared before World War II. Painted on the roof was the name "Manitowoc" stretching 268 feet long and 48 feet high, along with a 75 foot long arrow pointing directly north and a regulation distance marker with another arrow pointing in the direction of the Manitowoc airport. This was said to be the largest aerial sign in the United States, visible for many miles from the air. In what was termed "Manitowoc’s first blackout," the sign was painted over as a precautionary measure when the United States entered the war in December, 1941. This picture, which looks west over the rolling mill, was published in the January 2, 1942 issue of "Mixing Bowl," the Aluminum Goods company newsletter. The rolling mill was located on the east side of South 17th Street between Washington and Franklin Streets.