Last updated on August 1st, 2024
What could be more striking on a beautiful fall day than a humongous rotating pink elephant?
The original Elephant Car Wash opened in 1951 as the first automatic car wash in Washington. This rotating elephant marks the site of the business’ second location, which opened in 1956 and seems to be still going strong. I’m guessing this is the original sign.
Signage was a lot more fun in the 50s.
This is my contribution to Travel Photo Thursday at Nancie’s Budget Traveler’s Sandbox. For more photos from around the world, head on over to see what she’s posted and follow the links to see even more.
The pink elephant sign is, allegedly, the most photographed attraction in Seattle, so you might want to add it to your sightseeing list next time you are in town. You can find it at 616 Battery Street, just north of downtown in Belltown.
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I love retro signs. I like that this place has been in business since the sign originally went up.
Yeah, I thought it was great that the original business is still there. It seems that doesn’t happen often anymore.
haha…love it. Now, I need to go back to Seattle and take my own photo :)
I think it will still be there waiting for you – there would be an outcry if they tried to remove it now.
So true. Signs were definitely more fun in the 50s.
Love that old one too. Thanks for sharing.
I love the opportunity to – briefly — step back in time with these signs.
What a fabulous sign. And you’e right about much of the old signage. It had a certain charm to it.