Tuesday, December 31, 2013

United States of America


New Year's Eve:  It's time to take stock of progress in documenting how places across the United States say Welcome.  Over the past two years, since January 30, 2012, 310 pictures of welcome signs have been posted from localities in 48 of the 50 states, plus one from the District of Columbia and one from the UK.  The map above catalogs the number of times each state has been represented in "Geographically Yours Welcome."

Welcome signs are one way places combat "placelessness."  Not only do they give our towns and cities a chance to introduce themselves with a name, they also offer opportunities to include other distinguishing information, including how old they are.  Unlike the bipeds who place the placards. localities love to let us know when they were founded or incorporated.

Monday, December 30, 2013

Rayne, Louisiana

Looking Back and Looking Forward
Welcome to LaRayne, Louisiana, 2011.
Friends are Forever / Do Come Back!
We Have Been Expecting You!

Friday, December 27, 2013

Spruce Pine, North Carolina

Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree
Welcome to Spruce Pine, North Carolina, 2009.
The Mineral City

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Spruce Pine, North Carolina

Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree
Welcome to Downtown Spruce Pine, North Carolina, 2012.
The Mineral City / National Historic Registry

Monday, December 23, 2013

Spruce Pine, North Carolina

Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree
Welcome to Spruce Pine, North Carolina, 2011.
The Mineral City

Friday, December 20, 2013

Brazil, Indiana

The World Comes to the Heartland.
Welcome to Brazil, Indiana, 1998.
Home of the State Champions

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Morocco, Indiana

The World Comes to the Heartland.
Welcome to Morocco, Indiana, 1999.
Home of Hoosier Hospitality

Monday, December 16, 2013

Angola, Indiana

The World Comes to the Heartland.
Welcome to Angola, Indiana, 2008.

Friday, December 13, 2013

Kilmarnock, Virginia

In a Water-Tower Town
Welcome to Kilmarnock, Virginia, 2011.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Midway, Georgia

In a Water-Tower Town
Welcome to Midway, Georgia, 2012.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Nunn, Colorado

In a Water-Tower Town
Welcome to Nunn, Colorado, 2013.
Watch Nunn Grow / A Centennial Town

Friday, December 6, 2013

St. Charles, Iowa

Saints for the Advent Season
Welcome to St. Charles, Iowa, 2008.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

St. Albans, West Virginia

Saints for the Advent Season
Welcome to St. Albans, West Virginia, 2010.

Monday, December 2, 2013

St. George, South Carolina

Saints for the Advent Season
Welcome to St. George, South Carolina, 2007.
The Town Of Friendly People