Episode 138: Signs of the Times (Classic)
We’re revisiting one of our classic episodes.
There are visual icons that have symbolized professions for so long their origin stories are unknown to the very customers served by them. These independent businesses are owned by all kinds of people serving millions on a daily basis throughout the world, all using these same basic signs outside their establishments. We're discussing barber poles and pawnbroker balls, two symbols that, unless you’re truly in the middle of nowhere, you can find within minutes of where you live, work or both.
E X T R A S :
(Top to bottom): A typical red, white and blue barber pole; a series of alternative barber poles including a design saying “Hair Stylist,” a red and white option and the double barber poles outside of a Korean brothel; a vintage photo of a free standing barber pole with a stationary porcelain base and a rotating, illuminated upper half
(Top to bottom): The the gold balls of the traditional pawnbroker’s sign, a photo of a storefront in mid-1950s Boston with the three ball symbol, the Medici coat of arms
Barber Pole
Barber’s pole overview (Wikipedia)
“History of the Barber Pole” (YouTube video)
William Marvy Company website
Tour of the William Marvy Company (YouTube video)
Pawnbrokers’ Balls
The three ball symbol (Wikipedia)
“Several Theories on How Pawnbroker Symbol Came to Be” (American Press article)
Additional Nonsense We Discuss…
Trailer for Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (YouTube video)
Symbols, Signs and Signets by Ernst Lehner
