Linden’s gateway sign is artistically created to suggest to those passing by that this is a place and region with pride and respect.
This is the striking nighttime look of Linden’s gateway sign just off U. S. Highway 59.The project was several months of design and revisions before approval.
WHERE IS IT?
This week’s Where Is It? game is different. One can tell where and what this lighted billboard is. It is, of course, meant to be seen. It’s called a gateway sign. That is, it is artistically created to give a favorable impression of Linden as a jumping off spot for life, living and enjoyment. Linden is, after all, Cass County’s county seat with the state’s oldest courthouse in continuing existence. So, your challenge this week is to take a good look at this stylish billboard and better appreciate it. See more details in the “Answer” that follows.
Linden’s new gateway, blue and white lighted sign is located just off U. S. Highway 59 which passes through town. It is on the field in front of the former Mae Luster Stephens Junior High. The sign is dominated by the huge word “Welcome” and then is signed by the town of “Linden” whose letters are formed by a water tower and the courthouse facade. On the billboard’s foundation is the town’s birth year of 1848.
This message is displayed around the center of a large backdrop which is a giant guitar, stressing the town’s considerable music heritage. At the center of the guitar is a cog which might indicate Linden’s desire to be a jumping off spot for the good life. It might be a budding flower.
The whole display is lighted stylishly and colorfully at night, and at its heart is the U.S. flag high above on its pole.
The billboard is a project of the Linden Economic Development Corporation working with the city. It was completed in 2022 after four months of design work, according to Lee Elliott who at the time was city manager and LEDC director.
“Our other signs had begun to fade and weren’t quite so positive any longer. So, we talked it over with the Design Factory in Hughes springs, and they helped us come up with this billboard,” Elliott said. “The projects went through three revisions. Its final design was the work of Kody Moore with DSC Design Center Signs in Tyler.”
The billboard is a splash of light and color off in the distance from Highway 59. It is a suggestion that Linden may not be flashy, but it is a place of quality and worthy to be considered.