![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvE2Mnrmhr1S6SJtYi5oxk_r_VZ2KKPs-V80UDZfk9-Q4J4G3amVOnEK9K7c58rGS-ZOBZM9BKgJRLyF79Gh2dcUwvnPpCL4GtTH3QJ0gSFs11ChFHJpJ37qWLu_AYRyRifIb5g/s800/notrucks1.jpg)
A few months ago, I spotted this beautiful hand-lettered sign at a parking lot toll booth in my neighbourhood. It was not being used; literally
bolted to the wall sideways, functioning more as an impromptu storage unit than a sign.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zhoH6m0XYQkJgcAC5FtZF9Uq2N4buqA8N9IUlVz3goNoC8Z0cNS1M3DYsY0y6Jc80K6vfF4y2nFw6GPcZrLWhl_S64XZxtgPbIdno7XxRbBwyAyQfaF-D-3jXi_bF4lwBJPxKA/s800/notrucks3.jpg)
One day, I got the courage to approach the toll booth collector and inquire about giving the sign a new home. When I explained my interest in hand-lettering, he gave me a quizzical look, and said, "If you make me a new sign, I will give you this one."
Done and done.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBj1zZ6xBpA30MIMMhhZje3Z-yEov05b2-Iq-AUEvaEVNbAY-OM7V1T2luVfB1YhoWWIGkdGwVSU8B6mTx7_lKVPboUQCILna4C6liEqNh-088m_PJt_g6W6FRUhC7RuTDOcdyjg/s800/notrucks2.jpg)
After several sketches and some testing of supplies, here is the replacement sign I created. I used red and black acrylic on a piece of primed masonite board.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfnCJHh6ARGBJZGj5DulxUkLr8scu53FsW50wo-fojGP42mXN8AXPUOOkxpCMKHiM1hiPSYmmt0ICD24gifphaMeQAUY3xCjhX_i04U1our8QUAY6-1MZi6Zl2Y-_PT-E2MoNHw/s800/notrucks8.jpg)
And for an added bonus, when I dropped off the new sign this week, John (the collector) uncovered a
second sign that was equally charming. How could I not take it off his hands?
In parting, John mentioned that these signs were done at least 30 years ago by a local sign painter named Peter, who has since deceased.
John has a new sign for his toll booth, and I have 2 new beautiful type specimens. Everyone is happy!
Now, back to practicing...