Category Archives: Pacific Grove Eye

The Last Spinning 76 Ball In Town Is Gone

Posted on by

I didn’t notice this until I saw a story on the Internet. Ever since a merger with Phillips/Conoco the bright orange globes that have uniquely represented Union 76 stations are being taken down and replaced with generic looking tombstones, and the long used color scheme is changing from organge to red.

The 76 stations on the Peninsula:
76 Balls 76 Stations

Number 1 – North Fremont, before:
76 Balls N Fremont

After
76 Balls N Fremont Gone

Number 2 – Downtown Monterey
Still there! Get a glimpse before it’s gone.
76 Balls 398 Fremont St 1

76 Balls 398 Fremont St 2

Number 3 – Munras Ave. Never had a ball.
76 Balls 1401 Munras

Number 4 – Seaside. Gone
76 Balls 1600 Fremont

Number 5 – Pacific Grove. This was the only spinning ball for miles around.
76 Balls 1140 Forest

It is gone!
76 Balls 1140 Forest Ball Replacement

Number 6 – Carmel. Not only a no ball station, one with an old Union sign.
76 Balls 544 Carmel Rancho

Number 7 – Marina. Gone.
76 Balls 3044 Del Monte

Here is one fallen symbol of American branding, being put to rest. Spotted heading north on SR1.
76 Balls Dead Ball

76 Balls Goodbye Dead Ball

The Last Spinning 76 Ball In Town Is Gone

Rug Sale Tackiness Comes To P.G.

Posted on by

What’s the business with less credibility than used car sales?

Yep, the Magic Carpet business. Sale Signs that scream “LOST OUR LEASE”, “GOING OUT OF BUSINESS” or “LIQUIDATION SALE” are common either in print ad or on the store front.

Pamir Rug Sale

Lighthouse Rug Store Oob

See, every one of them does it, here is P.G.’s own:

No fewer than 11 signs shouting “REMODELING SALE”, right at the crossroads of the downtown. They win the prize for tacky storefront, formerly held by 17th Street Grill for the year round X-mas lights.

About 3 months later, the signs came down and the windows were covered with butcher paper. Later the store boasted a new front door. Some remodel.

Sale Tackiness Comes To P.G.

Did Something Interesting Happen Here?

Posted on by

Spotted this sign, pimping the town to the trail walkers, surrey drivers and motorists that are not watching the road:

Downtown Historic

Historic? Did Poncho Villa sleep here? Minds sprung into action and have come up with a few alternates:

Truth in advertising.
Downtown Tourist Trap

The land barons’ sign.
Downtown Fixer

Imported phony charm.
Downtown Charm

Goes with the ‘charm’.
Downtown Rust

Local wildlife.
Downtown Lions

Emergency Preparedness, part 1.
Downtown Life Vests

Emergency Preparedness, part 2.
Downtown Ufos

Cartoon characters ala amusement parks.
Downtown Cecil

Did Something Interesting Happen Here?

Earth To Downtown Merchants: X-Mas Is Over!

Posted on by

What’s with all the X-Mas lights staying up all year round?

Holmans Ice Lights

They are everywhere – Holman Building, Victorian Corner, PG Nutrition, PG Plaza, 17th Street Grill, Monte Cafe, etc. While they may communicate some hint of a business being open, THEY LOOK LIKE JUNK AND ARE UNSAFE. You leave those up in the open air and sunlight the insulation will soon crack and expose 110 volts.

Victorian Corner icelights

Orlando shoes icelights

PG nutrition icelights

Monte Cafe Ice Lights

Some may even contribute to the hazards by draping the wires over sharp edges.Wires and sharp metal
Hello PG Fire Department? Building Inspectors? Check it out.

Earth To Downtown Merchants: X-Mas Is Over!