What is the story with Pennsylvania? Philadelphia seems normal but several of the small towns I've been in the past couple of years have been quirky to say the least. Luckily I enjoy the quirky.
Where in Washington, Pa. would you expect to see this fine construction paper sign?
Before I answer that question let me mention that Washington, Pa. is off I-70 south of Pittsburgh. As you drive west on the interstate the exit signs for Washington, Pa. are clearly marked "Washington, Pa" and not "Washington" so, I suppose, the weary traveler doesn't confuse Washington, Pa. with Washington, DC some 250 miles away.
Anyway, Washington, Pa. was the town I had in mind last month when I wondered why some places are more cranky than others. Many storefronts downtown had some sort of "no hanging out" sign in their windows. This particular storefront, a closed jewelry store, had several construction paper signs. As I was hanging out, admiring the signs I noticed that they were in three adjacent storefronts. The only active-looking store was that for an attorney's office. Yes, if you live in Washington, Pa. you could be represented by a lawyer who spends much time making signs with construction paper, scissors and glue sticks.
I think we took our "cranky business note" pictures within a few days of each other. The person who created this one really took his or her time, cutting out and arranging individual letters. An angry scrawl is so much more efficient.
Posted by: Dane | 17 November 2008 at 09:32 PM
Exactly. That's got to be some smoldering anger to carefully cut out and arrange letters on a half-dozen no trespassing signs.
Posted by: Joe | 17 November 2008 at 11:49 PM
The phrase "smoldering anger" and the mental picture of an unhinged lawyer, calmly and methodically arranging these, stayed with me all day and kept making me laugh.
Posted by: Dane | 18 November 2008 at 11:21 PM
I bet he used children's safety scissors to cut those letters.
Posted by: Joe | 20 November 2008 at 09:44 PM
That's the only kind of scissors he's allowed to have - now.
Posted by: Cheryl | 20 November 2008 at 10:43 PM
Ha!
Posted by: Joe | 24 November 2008 at 08:49 PM
I live in Washington,PA and found your site while looking for images of the city. I chuckle every time I drive by this building because of the sign! There are actually several signs that bear the same message- and yet NO activity in or around the building! Too funny.
Posted by: Lisa | 15 March 2009 at 04:14 PM
There's no activity because the signs scare everyone away! :)
Posted by: Joe | 16 March 2009 at 08:29 PM